Vehicle consist configuration control

ABSTRACT

A method includes obtaining data relating to operation of a first vehicle in a vehicle consist that includes the first vehicle and a second vehicle communicatively coupled with each other by a communication channel. The first vehicle includes a first electronic component performing functions for the first vehicle using the first data. The method also includes communicating the first data over the communication channel from the first vehicle to a second electronic component disposed onboard the second vehicle responsive to the first electronic component being unable to perform the one or more functions for the first vehicle using the first data. The method further includes performing the functions of the first electronic component with the second electronic component using the first data that is received from the first vehicle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/900,307, filed 22 May 2013, and titled “Vehicle Consist ConfigurationControl” (referred to herein as the '307 Application”), which, in turn,is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/183,369, filed 17 Jul. 2005, and titled “Locomotive ConsistConfiguration Control” (referred to herein as the “'369 Application”)and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/908,214, filed 20 Oct. 2010, and titled “System And Method ForLocomotive Inter-Consist Equipment Sparing And Redundancy” (referred toherein as the “'214 Application”). The '369 Application claims priorityto U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/590,555, filed 23Jul. 2004 (referred to herein as the “'555 Application”). The '214Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.No. 61/253,877, filed 22 Oct. 2009 (referred to herein as the “'877Application”). The entire disclosures of these applications (e.g., the'307 Application, the '369 Application, the '214 Application, the '555Application, and the '877 Application) are incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects of the inventive subject matter described herein generallyrelate to communications between propulsion-generating vehicles (e.g.,locomotives) and, more particularly, to communication betweenpropulsion-generating vehicles in a vehicle consist. Aspects of theinventive subject matter also relate to data communications, such asdata communications in a locomotive consist or other vehicle consist.

BACKGROUND

A vehicle or locomotive “consist” is a group of two or more vehicles(e.g., locomotives) that are mechanically coupled or linked together totravel along a route. Trains may have one or more locomotive consists.Locomotives in a consist include a lead locomotive and one or more traillocomotives. A train may have at least one lead consist, and may alsohave one or more remote consists positioned further back in the train.More generally, a “vehicle consist” is a group of locomotives or othervehicles that are mechanically coupled or linked together to travelalong a route, e.g., the route may be defined by a set of one or morerails, with each vehicle in the consist being adjacent to one or moreother vehicles in the consist.

Locomotives that are used for heavy haul applications tend to experienceextreme environmental conditions, including low/high temperatures and/orhigh altitudes. In some situations, many locomotives are typicallyconnected together to be able to pull heavy trains. These locomotivesare interconnected electrically by multiple unit (“MU”) trainlines sothat an operator in the front locomotive can control the operation ofthe trailing locomotives. For example, freight trains are often hauledby multiple locomotive ensembles (“consists”) placed together at thefront or rear of the train or dispersed among the freight cars. A singlecrew at the front of the train coordinates all of the locomotivethrottles and brake commands via a connection called the multiple unitline (“MU-line”) that runs among the locomotives. Another example is, ifthe front, or lead, locomotive is in dynamic braking operation at aspecified brake level (controlled by an operator request), then all ofthe locomotives in the consist are also operating in dynamic brakingoperation at the same specified level. As such, it should be appreciatedthat there may be multiple consists in a train and that these consistsmay be set up such that all of the locomotives in each consist act inunison.

In addition to this kind of information, trainline modems (and othercommunication systems, like radio frequency or “RF” systems) are used tosend other types of information regarding the operation of the trailinglocomotives to the front locomotive (where the operator is typicallylocated), including, but not limited to, operating mode,tractive/braking effort, horsepower, engine speed, motoring/brakingfailure, engine failure, battery charger failure and locked axlefailure. Referring to FIG. 1, one example of a locomotive consist screendisplay 100, in accordance with the prior art, is shown and may includeseveral indications of fault occurrences. Currently, when an operatorreceives a fault occurrence indication, he/she has to travel back to thetrailing locomotives to obtain further information regarding the fault,such as the fault code and/or the fault data, or at this point he/shecan reset the fault, retry or reconfigure the locomotive (for example,cut out a traction motor).

One disadvantage to this configuration is that when these locomotivesare operating at higher altitudes it is difficult, and in some casesdangerous, for the operator to get down from the leading, or front,locomotive and get on a trailing locomotive, since only the operator cabin the front locomotive is provided with an oxygen supply and thelocomotives may be covered in snow and/or ice. One possible way toaddress this problem might be to have the operator carry a portableoxygen tank when he/she is traveling between locomotives. Unfortunatelyhowever, these tanks can be cumbersome and heavy and in some situations,carrying these tanks can increase the likely hood of injury and/or deathdue to a potential buildup of ice and/or snow. Another disadvantageinvolves stopping the train at higher altitudes. Since it is notadvisable to travel between the locomotives while the train is moving,in most cases the train must be stopped and since travel at higheraltitudes typically includes traversing steep grades which may have snowand ice on the tracks, restarting the train tends to be difficult andmay cause delays along the railroad line. Still another disadvantagewith traveling between locomotives while the train is moving involvesthe operational disadvantage of the operator not being able to watch thetrack. As such, if there was debris, such as snow, rocks and/or trees orif there were an animal on the track, the operator would be unable toreact and thus, would not be able to respond or even be aware of adangerous situation until it is too late. Moreover, there may be otherterrains, such as tunnels and very steep grades, and climate conditions,such as sub-zero temperatures and storms, where traveling betweenlocomotives is not desirable, especially if the locomotive units arespaced a large distance apart from each other.

Additionally, a propulsion-generating vehicle (e.g., a locomotive)typically includes a number of different electro-mechanical andelectrical systems. These systems include a plurality of differentelectronic components, which process or otherwise utilizedata/information for operational purposes. Examples of electroniccomponents in a locomotive include data and voice radios and othercommunication equipment, positioning equipment (e.g., GPS components),data and video recorders, engine control systems, navigation equipment,and on-board computer and other computer systems.

Certain electrical components may be part of a critical or vital systemin a vehicle. In a critical or vital system, one or more functions ofthe system must be performed with a very low likelihood of failure,and/or with a very long projected mean time between system failures, forsafety purposes or otherwise. To achieve this, for those electroniccomponents that carry out a vital function, a locomotive must beoutfitted with redundant electronic components. This can greatlyincrease the costs associated with implementing vital systems in avehicle. Additionally, even with redundant components in a vehicle, avital system is still subject to failure if both the primary andredundant components fail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In an embodiment, a vehicle system (such as a railroad train) includes afirst propulsion-generating vehicle (e.g., a first locomotive) havingone or more first electronic processors, a first communication device inelectrical communication with the one or more first processors, and afirst operator interface in electrical communication with the one ormore first processors. The vehicle system also includes a secondpropulsion-generating vehicle (e.g., a second locomotive) having one ormore second electronic processors, a second communication device inelectrical communication with the one or more second processors and incommunication with the first communication device, a second sensor inelectrical communication with the one or more second processors formonitoring operation of the second propulsion-generating vehicle andgenerating signals indicative of the operations that are monitored(e.g., monitored operations), and a second controller device inelectrical communication with the one or more second processors forcontrolling operation of the second propulsion-generating vehicle, withthe one or more second processors receiving the signals indicative ofthe operation of the second propulsion-generating vehicle, determiningfaults in the operation of the second propulsion-generating vehicle, andcommunicating signals indicative of the faults to the secondcommunication device for transmission to the first operator interfacevia the first communication device and the one or more first processors,and with the second controller device being controllable from the firstoperator interface via the first and second processors and the first andsecond communication devices, wherein faults in the operation of thesecond propulsion-generating vehicle are communicated to the firstoperator interface and control actions on the operation of the secondpropulsion-generating device in response to the faults may be effectedby an operator on the first propulsion-generating device.

A communication/control system for a vehicle system (e.g., a railroadtrain) having a first propulsion-generating vehicle (e.g., a firstlocomotive) and a second propulsion-generating vehicle (e.g., a secondlocomotive) is provided and includes a first electronic processor (e.g.,one or more processors), a first communication device in electricalcommunication with the first processor, and a first operator interfacein electrical communication with the first processor. Thecommunication/control system also includes a second electronic processor(e.g., one or more processors), a second communication device inelectrical communication with the second processor and in communicationwith the first communication device, a second sensor in electricalcommunication with the second processor for monitoring operation of thesecond locomotive and generating signals indicative of the monitoredoperations, and a second controller device in electrical communicationwith the second processor for controlling the operation of the secondlocomotive, with the second processor receiving the signals indicativeof the operation of the second locomotive, determining faults in theoperation of the second locomotive, and communicating signals indicativeof the faults to the second communication device for transmission to thefirst operator interface via the first communication device and thefirst processor, and with the second controller device beingcontrollable from the first operator interface via the first and secondprocessors and the first and second communication devices, whereinfaults in the operation of the second locomotive are communicated to thefirst operator interface and control actions on the operation of thesecond locomotive in response to the faults may be effected by anoperator on the first locomotive.

A method for ensuring control of a propulsion-generating vehicle (e.g.,a locomotive) within a vehicle consist (e.g., a locomotive consist),wherein the locomotive consist includes a first processor (e.g., one ormore first processors), a second processor (e.g., one or more secondprocessors), and a second controller device communicated with the secondprocessor, wherein the first processor is communicated with the secondprocessor and wherein the second processor is configurable to allow thefirst processor to control the second controller device is provided,wherein the method includes monitoring the second controller device todetermine whether a fault condition of the second controller device hasoccurred and if a fault condition has occurred, communicating the faultcondition to an operator of the locomotive consist and operating thefirst processor to control the second controller device.

In an embodiment, a system and method for communicating data in alocomotive consist or other vehicle consist are provided. In anembodiment of the method, the method comprises receiving, at a secondvehicle in a vehicle consist, first data related to a first vehicle inthe vehicle consist. (Data “related” to a vehicle means data originatingfrom the vehicle, and/or data addressed to other otherwise intended forthe vehicle, and/or data about the vehicle, and/or data used as a basis,indirect or direct, for controlling the vehicle.) The vehicle consistcomprises at least the first vehicle and the second vehicle, with eachvehicle in the consist being adjacent to and mechanically coupled withone or more other vehicles in the consist; the first vehicle and thesecond vehicle are linked by a communication channel (e.g., wireless orwired). The method further comprises, in a second electronic componenton board the second vehicle, processing the first data according to afunction unavailable to the first vehicle. (An “unavailable” function isone which the first vehicle is unable to perform, due to the firstvehicle not being equipped to perform the function or due to a failure,e.g., of an electronic component, on board the first vehicle.)

In an embodiment, a system for communicating data in a vehicle consistcomprises a data receiver module and a data processor module operablyconnected to the data receiver module. The data receiver module isconfigured for deployment in a second vehicle in a vehicle consist, andis further configured to receive first data related to a first vehiclein the vehicle consist. (In operation, the first vehicle is linked withthe second vehicle by a communication channel.) The data processormodule is configured for processing the first data according to afunction unavailable to the first vehicle.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises determining that a firstelectronic component in the first vehicle of the vehicle consist is in afailure state. In the failure state, the first electronic component isunable to perform the function unavailable to the first vehicle, whichis a designated function of the first electronic component (meaning afunction that the first electronic component would perform but for thefailure state). Upon determining the failure state, the first data istransmitted from the first vehicle to the second vehicle (over thecommunication channel), for the second electronic component to performthe designated function that the first electronic component is unable toperform.

In this manner, when an electronic component in one vehicle in a vehicleconsist fails (is unable to perform a designated function), datadesignated or intended for the failed electronic component is insteadtransmitted to a similar electronic component in another vehicle in theconsist. (An electronic component is “similar” to another electroniccomponent if it can perform one or more functions of the otherelectronic component, such as the designated function the failedcomponent is unable to perform, within designated tolerance/performancelevels.) This “swapping” or “sparing” of the functional aspects offailed electronic components in a vehicle consist eliminates the needfor multiple redundant components in a single vehicle, and improvessystem reliability and performance, e.g., a train may in effect includethree, four, or even more redundant components for a particularfunction, across the various locomotives within a consist in the train.

An embodiment relates to a method for communicating data in a vehicleconsist. For each vehicle of a plurality of vehicles in the vehicleconsist, the method comprises monitoring at least one electroniccomponent (i.e., one or more electronic components) in the vehicle todetermine if the at least one electronic component has failed. For eachof the at least one electronic component determined to have failed,“first” data from the vehicle or a second vehicle in the consist istransmitted to a similar electronic component in a third vehicle in theconsist. The first data is data designated for the electronic componentdetermined to have failed. The first data is transmitted over acommunication channel linking vehicles in the vehicle consist. Themethod further comprises transmitting return data from the similarelectronic component to one of the vehicles in the consist. The returndata is generated by the similar electronic component based on the firstdata.

An embodiment relates to a method for communicating data in a vehicleconsist. The method comprises transmitting first data from a firstvehicle in the consist to each of a second vehicle and a third vehiclein the consist. The first data comprises non-network controlinformation, which is data or other information that is not packet data,and/or, in an embodiment, data or other information that is not packetdata and that does not include recipient network addresses, and/or, inan embodiment, data or other information that is low bandwidth or verylow bandwidth data. The method further comprises initiating transmissionof second data from the first vehicle to at least the third vehicle. Thesecond data comprises high bandwidth data and/or network data that atleast partially overlaps the first data. By “overlaps,” it is meantrelating to the same command function in a vehicle or vehicle consist,e.g., the first and second data may each contain throttle commands. Ifthe second data is available to the third vehicle (meaning received atthe third vehicle and of sufficient quality to be usable by the thirdvehicle), the third vehicle is controlled based on the second data;otherwise, the third vehicle is controlled based on the first data. Thesecond vehicle is a legacy vehicle incompatible with the second data,and is controlled based on the first data.

In this manner, in one aspect, the vehicle consist includes both legacyvehicles (vehicles unable to use high bandwidth data and/or networkdata) and “updated” vehicles that already include legacy equipment butthat are also able to use high bandwidth data and/or network data.Throttle and other commands are transmitted in formats suitable for bothvehicle types, with both formats being transmitted to the updatedvehicles. The updated vehicles take advantage of the high bandwidth dataand/or network data, but if such data becomes unavailable due to afailure of the communication system for transmitting such data, theupdated vehicles instead use the other, legacy-formatted data.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the inventive subjectmatter will be more fully understood from the following detaileddescription of illustrative embodiments, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings in which like elements are numbered alike in theseveral Figures:

FIG. 1 is a screen capture of a Consist Monitor Screen;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a communicationconnection between propulsion-generating vehicles (e.g., locomotives) ina vehicle consist (e.g., a locomotive consist);

FIG. 3 is a screen capture of a Consist Monitor Screen for the consistof FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a communicationconnection between propulsion-generating vehicles in the consist of FIG.2;

FIG. 5 is a screen capture of a Consist Monitor Screen for the consistof FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a communicationconnection between propulsion-generating vehicles in a consist;

FIG. 7 is a screen capture of a Consist Monitor Screen for the consistof FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a method for ensuring control ofa propulsion-generating vehicle within a vehicle consist;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a communication system forcommunicating data in a locomotive consist, according to an embodimentof the inventive subject matter;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an MU cable bus in a locomotive, shownin the context of the communication system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an MU cable jumpers;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a router transceiver unit according toan embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the functionality of asignal modulator module portion of a router transceiver unit, accordingto an embodiment of the inventive subject matter;

FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram of an embodiment of a router transceiverunit;

FIG. 15 is another schematic diagram of an MU cable jumpers;

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of a system for communicating data in avehicle consist for inter-consist equipment sparing and redundancy,according to an embodiment of the inventive subject matter;

FIG. 17 is another schematic diagram of a system for communicating datain a vehicle consist for inter-consist equipment sparing and redundancy,according to an embodiment of the inventive subject matter;

FIG. 18 is another schematic diagram of a system for communicating datain a vehicle consist for inter-consist equipment sparing and redundancy,according to an embodiment of the inventive subject matter;

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a method for communicating data in a vehicleconsist for inter-consist equipment sparing and redundancy, according toan embodiment of the inventive subject matter;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a method for communicating data in a vehicleconsist for inter-consist equipment sparing and redundancy, according toan embodiment of the inventive subject matter;

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of a method for communicating data in a vehicleconsist for inter-consist equipment sparing and redundancy, according toan embodiment of the inventive subject matter;

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the system shown inFIG. 16;

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the systems/methodsshown in FIGS. 16 through 22;

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle consist according to anembodiment of the inventive subject matter;

FIG. 25 is another schematic diagram of a vehicle consist according toan embodiment of the inventive subject matter;

FIG. 26 is another schematic diagram of a vehicle consist according toan embodiment of the inventive subject matter;

FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the communicationsystem implemented in conjunction with an ECP train line;

FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram of an incremental notch secondarythrottle control system, according to an embodiment of the inventivesubject matter; and

FIG. 29 is a graph of step-wise throttle settings, according to anembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although example embodiments of the inventive subject matter aredescribed with respect to trains, locomotives, and other rail vehicles,embodiments of the inventive subject matter also are applicable for usewith vehicles generally, such as off-highway vehicles (e.g., vehiclesthat are not designed and/or permitted to travel on public roadways),agricultural vehicles, and/or transportation vehicles, each of which mayinclude a vehicle consist. As noted above, a vehicle consist is a groupof locomotives or other vehicles that are mechanically coupled or linkedtogether to travel along a route, with each vehicle in the consist beingadjacent to one or more other vehicles in the consist.

Referring to FIG. 2, a schematic block diagram illustrating anembodiment of a vehicle consist system 200 (e.g., a locomotive consistsystem) is shown and includes a first locomotive 202, a secondlocomotive 204, a third locomotive 206 and a fourth locomotive 208connected in a consist 210 via a plurality of connection devices, suchas a plurality of mechanical connection devices 212. While thedescription herein focuses on and uses locomotives and locomotiveconsists as examples, not all embodiments described herein are limitedto locomotives and locomotive consists. One or more embodiments may beused in conjunction with and/or include propulsion-generating vehiclesother than locomotives and vehicle consists other than locomotiveconsists.

Each of the first locomotive 202, the second locomotive 204, the thirdlocomotive 206 and the fourth locomotive 208 are communicated with eachother via a conductive body, such as a Multiple Unit (MU) line 214. Eachlocomotive may include a processing device 216, an input/output device218, at least one controller device 220 and at least one sensing device222, wherein the processing device 216, the input/output device 218, theat least one controller device 220 and the at least one sensing device222 may communicate with each other. Moreover, the processing device216, the input/output device 218, and the at least one controller device220 on each of the locomotives 202, 204, 206, 208 may communicate withthe remaining locomotives 202, 204, 206, 208 via the MU line 214 suchthat the processing device 216, the input/output device 218, the atleast one controller device 220 and the at least one sensor device 222on at least one of the locomotives 202, 204, 206, 208 is capable ofestablishing communication with the processing device 216, theinput/output device 218, the at least one controller device 220 and theat least one sensor device 222 on at least one of the other locomotives202, 204, 206, 208. It should be appreciated that although the MU line214 is shown as being a hardwired connection, the MU line 214 mayutilize a wireless communications link, such as infrared (IR), radiofrequency (RF), satellite, and the like.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 2, as the consist 210 is operating,sensor data is being generated by the at least one sensor device 222 onone or more of the locomotives 204, 206, 208. The data generated by theat least one sensor device 222 (“generated data”) on the secondlocomotive 204, the third locomotive 206, and/or the fourth locomotive208 is communicated to the first locomotive 202 via the MU line 214.This data may be displayed on the input/output device 218 of the firstlocomotive 202 to an operator. Referring to FIG. 3, an embodiment of asensor display 300 on the input/output device 218 is shown and mayinclude a Touch Menu Item (TMI) (softkey) screen 302 and/or a keyboardfor command and/or data entry from the operator. The TMI screen 302 mayinclude a plurality of software configurable input devices 303 such as aNetwork Restart switch 304 which is a request that the networkinformation be resent to the sensor display 300, a Fault Data switch 306which is a request that all or some of the data that was generated atthe time of the failure, which may or may not include fault data, besent to the sensor display 300, a Reset switch 308 which is a request toreset the faulted equipment, an Isolation switch 310 which is a requestto isolate the faulted equipment and/or locomotive from the rest of thesystem, a Cutout switch 314 which is a request to cutout the faultedequipment from the rest of the system, an Order Modification switch 316and an Exit switch 318.

Upon a condition that requires attention from the locomotive operator,such as a fault condition, an indication will be communicated to theoperator that tells the operator that a condition has occurred thatneeds his/her attention and a condition indicator, which may be specificand/or general, will be displayed on the input/output device 218,wherein the condition indicator may be in the form of a plurality ofsoftware configurable display indicators 320 and switches, which may bespecific and/or general. It should be appreciated that the plurality ofsoftware configurable display indicators 320 may include, but not belimited to, a No Motor indicator 322, a No DB (Dynamic Braking)indicator 324, a No Batt indicator 326, an Alarm Bell indicator 328, analternator regulator fault indicator 330 and a TM Ground Fault indicator332. Additionally, the plurality of software configurable displayindicators 320 may also include a plurality of configurable operationalperformance indicators 334, such as fuel level 336, operational mode338, Oil Temperature 340, traction HP 342, Effort 344, number of activeaxles 346 and Engine RPM 348.

This should allow the locomotive consist system 200 to inform theoperator of an active fault or problem and a suggested course of action(from a stored databank and/or from personnel at a remote facility)and/or the operator may access a fault data display to link directlywith and/or to obtain help from central service personnel. If theoperator requires more information about the condition, he/she mayoperate the input/output device 218 to obtain more data which may betransmitted via the MU line 214 to the processing device 216. Once theoperator has obtained the desired information regarding the faultindication, the operator may send commands to the trailinglocomotive(s), e.g., the second locomotive 204, third locomotive 206and/or the fourth locomotive 208, responsive to the indicated faultcondition. These commands may include, but may not be limited to, afault reset command, a fault reevaluation command, a reconfigurationcommand to reconfigure the locomotives (individually or together) and afault data display command. This would allow an operator in the leadlocomotive to obtain critical/non-critical information and to controlthe operation of the remaining locomotives 202, 204, 206, 208 within theconsist 210.

It should be appreciated that the following scenarios are only meant toillustrate certain aspects of the inventive subject matter and thus arenot meant to limit all embodiments of the inventive subject matter toonly these scenarios. As such, the inventive subject matter is intendedto be applicable to any scenario that may require action by the operatorof the train. Referring to FIG. 4, consider the situation where thereare four (4) locomotives operating in a locomotive consist system 400. Aschematic block diagram illustrating the locomotive consist system 400is shown and includes a first locomotive 402, a second locomotive 404, athird locomotive 406 and a fourth locomotive 408 connected in a consist410 via a plurality of connection devices, such as a plurality ofmechanical connection devices 412. Additionally, each of the firstlocomotive 402, the second locomotive 404, the third locomotive 406 andthe fourth locomotive 408 may be communicated with each other via aMultiple Unit (MU) line 414. As shown, each of the locomotives 402, 404,406, 408 may include a processing device 416, an input/output device418, at least one controller device 420 and at least one sensing device422, wherein the processing device 416, the input/output device 418, theat least one controller device 420 and the at least one sensing device422 are communicated with each other. It should be appreciated that theat least one controller device 420 may include at least one of atraction alternator regulator 424, a traction motor 426 and a dynamicbraking system 428, an alternator device, a circuit breaker device, aswitching device, a power electronics device, a blower, a fan and anelectrical contactor. Moreover, the processing device 416, theinput/output device 418 and the at least one controller device 420 oneach of the locomotives 402, 404, 406, 408 are further communicated withthe remaining locomotives 402, 404, 406, 408 via the MU line 414 suchthat the processing device 416, the input/output device 418, the atleast one controller device 420 and the at least one sensor device 422on at least one of the locomotives 402, 404, 406, 408 is capable ofestablishing communication with and control of the processing device416, the input/output device 418, the at least one controller device 420and the at least one sensor device 422 on at least one of the otherlocomotives 402, 404, 406, 408, either separately and/or collectively.

Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, consider a first situation where afailure of one of the controller devices 420, such as the tractionalternator regulator 424, occurs on the first locomotive 402. In thiscase, the following scenario is likely. As the consist 410 is operating,sensor data is being generated and communicated from the secondlocomotive 404, the third locomotive 406 and the fourth locomotive 408to the first locomotive 402 and is displayed to the operator on theinput/output device 418 of the first locomotive 402. Upon a failure ofthe alternator regulator 424 on the first locomotive 402, a failureindication of the alternator regulator 424 is communicated to theoperator via the TMI softkey screen 302 on the input/output device 418,as indicated by the highlighted “Alternator Regulator” softkey 330.Additionally, because a failure of the alternator regulator 424 mayresult in a motoring operation failure and a braking operation failure,the operator is also informed of a motoring operation failure and abraking operation failure, as indicated by the highlighted “No Motor”softkey 322 and “No DB” softkey 324, respectively. In this case, theoperator has the option of isolating the first locomotive 402 from therest of the consist 410 via an isolate softkey switch 310 or theoperator may try to reset the fault via a reset softkey switch 308.Additionally, the operator may attempt to restart the system network viaa reset network softkey switch 304 or the operator may request faultdata via a fault data softkey switch 306. As such, the operator may beinformed of the situation and may perform the appropriate actionswithout leaving the lead locomotive. The operator may then modifyinstructions given to the consist system 400 or exit the consist monitorscreen 302 via a Modify Order softkey switch 316 and an Exit softkeyswitch 318, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, consider a second situation where thereare four (4) locomotives operating in the locomotive consist 410 and aground fault occurs involving the third traction motor 426 on the thirdlocomotive 406. As above, the operator in the lead locomotive may beinformed of this condition via the input/output device 418, wherein thefailure of the third traction motor 426 is communicated to the operatorvia a highlighted “TM3 Ground” softkey indicator 332 on the input/outputdevice 418. In this case, the operator has the option to cut out thetraction motor 426 (e.g., shut the motor down) via a “Cutout” softkey314 or the operator has the option to try to reset the ground fault viathe “Reset” softkey 308. As above, the operator may attempt to restartthe system network via a Reset Network softkey switch 304 or theoperator may request fault data via a Fault Data softkey switch 306allowing the operator to be informed of and control the situationwithout leaving the lead locomotive. The operator may then modifyinstructions given to the consist system 400 or exit the consist monitorscreen 302 via a Modify Order softkey switch 316 and an Exit softkeyswitch 318, respectively. Additionally, it should be appreciated thatfault data may be communicated to a storage database and/or a remotereceiving center which will log the data for future repair. For example,in the ground fault example above, the fault information may be sent tothe next destination of the locomotive, either at the command of theoperator or automatically, so that by the time the locomotive arrives atits destination, the parts and/or personnel will be ready to begin workon the motor to correct the fault condition. This would allow for areduction in the amount of downtime of the locomotive and ultimatelywould translate into fewer and/or shorter delays.

Referring to FIG. 8, a block diagram illustrating a method 800 forensuring control of a locomotive 202, 204, 206, 208, 402, 404, 406, 408within a locomotive consist 210, 410 is provided. The locomotive consist210, 410 may include a first locomotive 202, 402 and a second locomotive204, 404, wherein the first locomotive 202, 402 includes a firstlocomotive display device 218, 418 and a first locomotive processingdevice 216, 416, and wherein the second locomotive 204, 404 includes asecond locomotive processing device 216, 416 and a second locomotivecontroller device 220, 420 communicated with the second locomotiveprocessing device 216, 416. Additionally, the first locomotiveprocessing device 216, 416 is communicated with the second locomotiveprocessing device 216, 416 via a Multiple Unit line 214, 414 and thesecond locomotive processing device 216, 416 is configurable to allowthe first locomotive processing device 216, 416 to control thelocomotive controller device 220, 420. The processing devices mayinclude or represent one or more processors, sensors, and the like. Themethod 800 includes monitoring the locomotive controller device 220, 420to determine whether a fault condition of the second locomotivecontroller device 220, 420 has occurred, as shown in operational block802. If a fault condition has occurred, then the method 800 includescommunicating the fault condition to an operator of the locomotiveconsist 208, 400, as shown in operational block 804 and operating thefirst locomotive processing device 216, 416 to control the secondlocomotive controller device 220, 420, as shown in operational block806, such that the first locomotive processing device 216,416 is able tocontrol the second locomotive controller device 220, 420 from the firstlocomotive 202, 402.

Moreover, other features and functions suitable to the desired endpurpose may be included, such as a self-testing, diagnostic, and/ormonitoring capability. This would allow the operator the ability toinitiate a self-test routine for preventive maintenance and or faultisolation and/or detection. Moreover, the diagnostic capability may beused for trouble shooting and/or fault repair and/or reconfiguration,such as isolation and/or cutout. It should be appreciated that the selftesting, diagnostic, and/or monitoring capabilities may be implementedby the on-site operator or by a remote operator prior to a faultoccurrence, immediately following a fault occurrence and/or after faultdata has been received. Additionally, each of the locomotives in theconsist 210, 410 may be tested as a group or individually in any order.This would allow an on-site operator and/or a remote operator to performfunction and safety tests prior to each departure.

Additionally, it should be appreciated that the locomotive consistsystem 200, 400 may be used to implement operations not currently undercontrol of a control system. For example, the traction alternator fieldcutout is currently controlled by a circuit breaker which requires thatthe physical connection be broken manually. It is contemplated thatthese types of system and/or connections may be controlled via aconfigurable softkey (e.g., software) switch 303 from the display device218, 418. Additionally, it is contemplated that the above may beimplemented by an on-site operator who may be assisted by remote expertsthat is in communication with the locomotive consist system 200, 400 viaa wireless communications system, such as satellite, RF, IR, and thelike. Furthermore, the locomotive consist system 200, 400 may also beused to monitor the MU line 214, 414 to detect if a fault occurrence isdue to the MU cables/connection or due to the actual unit indicating afault occurrence.

It should be appreciated that all communications may be conducted via ahardwired system or by a wireless system, such as satellite, RF, IR,etc. Moreover, in some situations, such as incapacity of the crew, awireless system may allow a central service office to assume control ofthe consist 210, 410 and/or specific locomotives 202, 204, 206, 208,402, 404, 406, 408 and to operate the consist 210, 410 and/or specificlocomotives 202, 204, 206, 208, 402, 404, 406, 408 remotely,collectively or individually. Thus, all of the information and controlavailable to an operator on the locomotive would be accessible bypersonnel at the central service (dispatch) office. Additionally, sincethe amount of information normally passed between locomotive isrelatively small, the bandwidth of the communication channel to carrythis information may be correspondingly small. However, normal datatransmission may be limited to allow more condition information (such asfault/health information) and/or associated commands to be communicated.It should also be appreciated that because the locomotives arecommunicated with each other, the crew may controllably switch controlfrom one locomotive to another in the consist 210, 410. This may beuseful if the lead locomotive is not operating correctly and must beshut down. In this situation, operators may switch control of the leadlocomotive in the consist 210, 410 to one of the remaining locomotives202, 204, 206, 208, 402, 404, 406, 408, such as second locomotive 204,404, third locomotive 206, 406 or the fourth locomotive 208, 408. Forexample, if a traction motor 426 has failed, then the operator could cutout the traction motor 426 and proceed with a degraded mode ofoperation. Another example involves major equipment damage of MISoperation, the unit could be commanded to isolate or standby mode or toignore throttle commands so that the rest of the consist 210, 410 couldproceed. Another example would be to limit the total tractive/brakingeffort produced during certain periods of operation for the safehandling of the train.

It is contemplated that the at least one controller device 216, 416 mayinclude any number and/or type of controller device(s) suitable to thedesired end purpose, including but not limited to a throttle control, anenvironmental control and/or a brake control. Moreover, at least onesensor device 222, 422 may include any number and/or type of sensordevice(s) suitable to the desired end purpose, including but not limitedto a fault sensor device, a traction motor sensing device and/or a cabenvironment sensing device. Furthermore, in current systems only datawas flowing from a remote locomotive to an operator. However, in one ormore of the disclosed embodiments as described herein, more informationflows and information flows between a remote locomotive and an operatorand the operator may send commands to the remote locomotive to assumeadditional operational actions, such as diagnostics, performance,reconfiguration, etc.

As described above, the method 800 of FIG. 8, in whole or in part, maybe embodied in the form of computer-implemented processes andapparatuses for practicing those processes. The method 800 of FIG. 8, inwhole or in part, may also be embodied in the form of computer programcode containing instructions embodied in tangible and non-transitorymedia, such as floppy diskettes, CD-ROMs, hard drives, or any othercomputer-readable storage medium, wherein, when the computer programcode is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes anapparatus for practicing one or more aspects of the inventive subjectmatter. Existing systems having reprogrammable storage (e.g., flashmemory) may be updated to implement the method 800 of FIG. 8, in wholeor in part. Also as described above, the method 800 of FIG. 8, in wholeor in part, may be embodied in the form of computer program code, forexample, whether stored in a storage medium, loaded into and/or executedby a computer, or transmitted over some transmission medium, such asover electrical wiring or cabling, through fiber optics, or viaelectromagnetic radiation, wherein, when the computer program code isloaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes anapparatus for practicing one or more aspects of the inventive subjectmatter. When implemented on a general-purpose microprocessor, thecomputer program code segments may configure the microprocessor tocreate specific logic circuits.

One or more embodiments of the inventive subject matter relate tosystems (e.g., systems 1600, 270) and methods for communicating data ina locomotive consist or other vehicle consist, for inter-consistequipment sparing and redundancy. With initial reference to FIG. 16 andFIGS. 19 through 21 in overview, an embodiment of the method comprises,at 1900, receiving, at a second vehicle 1608 b in a vehicle consist1606, first data 1616 related to a first vehicle 1608 a in the vehicleconsist. (Data “related” to a vehicle means data originating from thevehicle, and/or data addressed to other otherwise intended for thevehicle, and/or data about the vehicle, and/or data used as a basis,indirect or direct, for controlling the vehicle.) The vehicle consist1606 comprises at least the first vehicle 1608 a and the second vehicle1608 b, with each vehicle 1608 a, 1608 b, 1608 c in the consist beingadjacent to and mechanically coupled with one or more other vehicles inthe consist. The first vehicle and the second vehicle are linked by acommunication channel (e.g., wireless or wired). As indicated at 1902,the method further comprises, in a second electronic component 1612 b onboard the second vehicle 1608 b, processing the first data 1616according to a function unavailable to the first vehicle 1608 a. (An“unavailable” function is one which the first vehicle is unable toperform, due to the first vehicle not being equipped to perform thefunction or due to a failure, e.g., of an electronic component, on boardthe first vehicle.)

In an embodiment, with reference to FIG. 20, the method furthercomprises, at 2000, transmitting second data 1622 from the secondvehicle 1608 b to the first vehicle 1608 a over the communicationchannel. Alternatively, the second data 1622 may be transmitted from thesecond vehicle to a destination other than the first vehicle, such as anoff-consist location. The second data 1622 relates to the first data asprocessed according to the function unavailable to the first vehicle.

In an embodiment, with reference to FIG. 21, a method comprises, at2100, determining that a first electronic component 1612 a in the firstvehicle 1608 a of the vehicle consist 1606 is in a failure state.“Failure state,” or characterizing an electronic component as “havingfailed” or “has failed,” refers to a state or condition of the firstelectronic component 1612 a where the first electronic component 1612 ais unable to perform a designated function, including being unable toperform the function at all, or being unable to perform the function ina manner that meets designated performance requirements. Upondetermining the failure state, at 2102, first data 1616 is transmittedfrom the first vehicle 1608 a to a second electronic component 1612 b onthe second vehicle 1608 b, over a cable bus 1618 or other communicationchannel (e.g., wireless) linking the first vehicle and the secondvehicle. The first data 1616 may be data related to the first vehicle1608 a, such as data that was intended or designated for receipt and/orprocessing by the first electronic component 1612 a and/or control data(e.g., control instructions) originating from the first vehicle and usedfor controlling the second electronic component 1612 b, and/or otherdata. At 2104, the second electronic component 1612 b is operated basedon the first data 1616 (e.g., it performs some function on or accordingto the data), for performing the designated function that the firstelectronic component 1612 a is unable to perform.

In this manner, the sparing and redundancy system 1600 is able to remote“spare” “swap” swap equipment between locomotives or other vehicles in aconsist. If an electronic component connected to the cable bus or othercommunication channel (which in an embodiment is configured as part of anetwork, as described above) fails in one vehicle, a similar electroniccomponent in another vehicle is used instead, through coordination ofcontrol functions and transfer of data over the cable bus or othercommunication channel (e.g., network) as facilitated by the controlcoordination systems. Advantageously, this provides a higher degree ofdispatch reliability and lower costs to equip a locomotive or othervehicle, since each vehicle will not require redundant equipment. Theredundancy is automatically provided by having multiple vehicles in theconsist.

In the system(s) and method(s) for inter-consist equipment sparing andredundancy, data is transmitted between locomotives or other vehicles ina consist, over a communication channel linking the vehicles in theconsist. The communication channel may be implemented using wirelesstechnology (e.g., each vehicle is outfitted with a radio transceiver), acommunication system such as described below in regards to FIGS. 9 to14, or another type of electrical cable system (e.g., electricalconductors that extend between and interconnect the vehicles forcommunication purposes). The communication system of FIGS. 9 to 14 willnow be described in detail, as one example. The system and method forinter-consist equipment sparing and redundancy is further describedbelow. These systems and methods may be used in conjunction with one ormore of the previously described aspects of the inventive subjectmatter.

FIG. 9 shows a communication system 10 and method for communicating datain a locomotive consist 12. The consist comprises a group of locomotives18 a-18 c that are mechanically coupled or linked together to travelalong a railway 14. In the system 10, network data (e.g., informationthat is communicated in data packets) or other data 16 is transmittedfrom one propulsion-generating vehicle 18 a in the consist 12 (e.g., alead locomotive 18 a) to another propulsion-generating vehicle 18 b inthe consist (e.g., a trail locomotive 18 b). Each locomotive 18 a-18 cis adjacent to and mechanically coupled with another locomotive in theconsist 12 such that all locomotives in the consist are connected.“Network data” 16 refers to data that is packaged in packet form,meaning a data packet that comprises a set of associated data bits 20.(Each data packet may include a data field 22 and a network address orother address 24 uniquely associated with a computer unit or otherelectronic component in the consist 12.) The network data 16 istransmitted over a locomotive MU cable bus 26. The MU cable bus 26 is anexisting electrical bus interconnecting the lead locomotive 18 a and thetrail locomotives 18 b, 18 c in the consist. The MU cable bus 26 is usedin the locomotive consist 12 for transferring non-network controlinformation 28 between locomotives in the consist. “Non-network” controlinformation 28 refers to data or other information, used in thelocomotive consist for control purposes, which is not packet data. Inanother aspect, non-network control information 28 is not packet data,and does not include recipient network addresses. In another aspect,non-network control information is low bandwidth or very low bandwidthdata.

In an embodiment, as discussed in more detail below, the network data 16is converted into modulated network data 30 for transmission over the MUcable bus 26. The modulated network data 30 is orthogonal to thenon-network control information 28 transferred between locomotives overthe MU cable bus 26, to avoid interference. At recipient/subsequentlocomotives, modulated network data 30 (shown in FIG. 12) is receivedover the MU cable bus 26 and de-modulated for use by a locomotiveelectronic component 32 a, 32 b, 32 c. For these functions, thecommunication system 10 may comprise respective router transceiver units34 a, 34 b, 34 c positioned in the lead locomotive 18 a and each of thetrail or remote locomotives 18 b, 18 c in the locomotive consist 12.

One example of an MU cable bus 26 is shown in more detail in FIG. 10.Other configurations are possible, depending on the type of locomotiveinvolved. As noted above, the MU cable bus 26 is an existing electricalbus interconnecting the lead locomotive 18 a and the trail locomotives18 b, 18 c in the consist. In each locomotive, e.g., the lead locomotive18 a as shown in FIG. 10, the MU cable bus 26 comprises a front MU port36, a rear MU port 38, and an internal MU electrical system 40 thatconnects the front port 36 and the rear port 38 to one or moreelectronic components 32 a of the locomotive 18 a. In the illustratedexample, the internal MU electrical system 40 comprises a front terminalboard 42 electrically connected to the front MU port 36, a rear terminalboard 44 electrically connected to the rear MU port 38, a centralterminal board 46, and first and second electrical conduit portions 48,50 electrically connecting the central terminal board 46 to the frontterminal board 42 and the rear terminal board 44, respectively. The oneor more electronic components 32 a of the locomotive 18 a may beelectrically connected to the central terminal board 46, and thereby tothe MU cable bus 26 generally. Although the front MU port 36 and rear MUport 38 may be located generally at the front and rear of the locomotive18 a, this is not always the case, and designations such as “front,”“rear,” “central,” etc. are not meant to be limiting but are insteadprovided for identification purposes.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the MU cable bus 26 further comprises an MUcable jumper 52. The jumper 52 comprises first and second plug ends 54,56 and a flexible cable portion 58 electrically and mechanicallyconnecting the plug ends together. The plug ends 54, 56 fit into the MUports 36, 38. The MU cable jumper 52 may be electrically symmetrical,meaning either plug end can be attached to either port. The MU cablejumper 52 is used to electrically interconnect the internal MUelectrical systems 40 of adjacent locomotives 18 a, 18 b. As such, foreach adjacent pair of locomotives 18 a, 18 b, one plug end 54 of an MUcable jumper 52 is attached to the rear MU port 28 of the frontlocomotive 18 a, and the other plug end 56 of the MU cable jumper 52 isattached to the front MU port 36 of the rear locomotive 18 b. Theflexible cable portion 58 of the MU cable jumper 52 extends between thetwo plug ends, providing a flexible but secure electrical connectionbetween the two locomotives 18 a, 18 b.

Depending on the particular type and configuration of locomotive, theelectrical conduit portions 48, 50 and MU cable jumpers 52 may beconfigured in different manners, in terms of the number “n” (“n” is areal whole number equal to or greater than 1) and type of discreteelectrical pathways included in the conduit or jumper. In one example,each conduit portion 48, 50 and the jumper cable portion 58 comprises aplurality of discrete electrical wires, such as 12-14 gauge copperwires. In another example, the cable portion 58 (of the MU cable jumper52) comprises a plurality of discrete electrical wires, while theconduit portions 48, 50 each include one or more discrete electricalwires and/or non-wire electrical pathways, such as conductive structuralcomponents of the locomotive, pathways through or including electricalor electronic components, circuit board traces, or the like. Althoughcertain elements in FIG. 10 are shown as including “n” discreteelectrical pathways, it should be appreciated that the number ofdiscrete pathways in each element may be different, i.e., “n” may be thesame or different for each element.

As noted, the plug ends 54, 56 of the MU cable jumper 52 fit into the MUports 36, 38. For this purpose, the plug ends and MU ports arecomplementary in shape to one another, both for mechanical andelectrical attachment. The plug end 54, 56 may include a plurality ofelectrical pins, each of which fits into a corresponding electricalsocket in an MU port. The number of pins and sockets may depend on thenumber of discrete electrical pathways extant in the internal electricalconduits 40, MU cable jumpers 52, etc. In one example, each plug end 54,56 is a twenty seven-pin plug.

The central terminal board 46, front terminal board 42, and rearterminal board 44 each comprise an insulating base (attached to thelocomotive) on which terminals for wires or cables have been mounted.This provides flexibility in terms of connecting different electroniccomponents to the MU cable bus.

The MU cable bus 26 is used in the locomotive consist 12 fortransferring non-network control information 28 between locomotives 18a, 18 b, 18 c in the consist. As noted above, “non-network” controlinformation 28 is data or other information, used in the locomotiveconsist for control purposes, which is not packet data. In anotheraspect, non-network control information 28 is not packet data, and doesnot include recipient network addresses. In another aspect, non-networkcontrol information is low bandwidth or very low bandwidth. Thenon-network control information 28 is transmitted over the MU cable bus26 according to a designated voltage carrier signal (e.g., a 74 volton/off signal, wherein 0V represents a digital “0” value and +74 volts adigital “1” value or an analog signal 0 to 74 volts, wherein the 0 to 74volt voltage level may represent a specific level or percentage offunctionality). The non-network control information is transmitted andreceived using one or more electronic components 32 a-32 c in eachlocomotive that are configured for this purpose.

The term “MU cable bus” refers to the entire MU cable bus or anyportion(s) thereof, e.g., terminal boards, ports, jumper cable, conduitportions, and the like. As should be appreciated, when two locomotivesare connected via an MU cable jumper 52, both the MU cable jumper 52 andthe internal MU electrical systems 40 of the two locomotives togetherform the MU cable bus. As subsequent locomotives are attached usingadditional MU cable jumpers 52, those cable jumpers and the internal MUelectrical systems 40 of the subsequent locomotives also become part ofthe MU cable bus.

As indicated in FIG. 9, the vehicle consist 12 may be part of a vehiclesystem 60 (e.g., a train) that includes the consist 12, a plurality ofnon-propulsion-generating vehicles 62 (e.g., railcars), and possiblyadditional propulsion-generating vehicles and/or consists (e.g.,locomotives or locomotive consists, not shown). Each locomotive 18 a-18c in the consist 12 is mechanically coupled to at least one other,adjacent locomotive in the consist 12, through a coupler 64. Therailcars 62 are similarly mechanically coupled together and to thelocomotive consist to form a series of linked vehicles. The non-networkcontrol information may be used for locomotive control purposes or forother control purposes in the train 60.

As discussed above, the communication system 10 may comprise respectiverouter transceiver units 34 a, 34 b, 34 c positioned in the leadlocomotive 18 a and each of the trail locomotives 18 b, 18 c in thelocomotive consist 12. The router transceiver units 34 a, 34 b, 34 c areeach electrically coupled to the MU cable bus 26. The router transceiverunits 34 a, 34 b, 34 c are configured to transmit and/or receive networkdata 16 over the MU cable bus 26. In an embodiment, each routertransceiver unit receives network data 16 from a computer unit or otherelectronic component 32 a, 32 b, 32 c in the locomotive consist 12, andmodulates the received network data 16 into modulated network data 30for transmission over the MU cable bus 26. Similarly, each routertransceiver unit 34 a, 34 b, 34 c receives modulated network data 30over the MU cable bus 26 and de-modulates the received modulated networkdata 30 into network data 16. “Modulated” means converted from one formto a second, different form suitable for transmission over the MU cablebus 26. “De-modulated” means converted from the second form back intothe first form. The modulated network data 30 is orthogonal to thenon-network control information 28 transferred between locomotives overthe MU cable bus 26. “Orthogonal” means that the modulated network datadoes not interfere with the non-network control information, and thatthe non-network control information does not interfere with themodulated network data (at least not to the extent that would corruptthe data). At recipient/subsequent locomotives, the modulated networkdata 30 is received over the MU cable bus 26 and de-modulated back intothe network data 16 for use by a locomotive electronic component 32 a,32 b, 32 c.

The network data 16 is data that is packaged in packet form, meaning adata packet that comprises a set of associated data bits 20. Each datapacket 20 may include a data field 22 and a network address or otheraddress 24 uniquely associated with a computer unit or other electroniccomponent 32 a-32 c in the consist 12. The network data 16 may beTCP/IP-formatted or SIP-formatted data, however, the electroniccomponents and/or router transceiver units may use other communicationsprotocols for communicating network data. As should be appreciated, theMU cable bus 26, electronic component 32 a-32 c, and router transceiverunits 34 a-34 c together form a local area network. In an embodiment,these components are configured to form an Ethernet network.

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of a router transceiver unit 34 a in moredetail. The router transceiver unit 34 a comprises a network adaptermodule 66 and a signal modulator module 68. The signal modulator module68 is electrically connected to the network adapter module 66 and to theMU cable bus 26. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the signal modulatormodule 68 is electrically connected to the MU cable bus 26 by way of thecentral terminal board 46, near a locomotive electronic component 32 a.The network adapter module 66 is electrically connected to a networkinterface unit 70 that is part of and/or operably connected to theelectronic component 32 a. (The electronic component 32 a may be, forexample, a computer unit for controlling a locomotive.) The networkadapter module 66 and network interface unit 70 are electricallyinterconnected by a network cable 72. For example, if the networkadapter module 66 and network interface unit 70 are configured as anEthernet local area network, the network cable 72 may be a CAT5E cable.The network interface unit 70 is functionally connected to one or moresoftware or hardware applications 74 in the electronic component 32 athat are configured for network communications. In an embodiment, thenetwork interface unit 70, network cable 72, and software or hardwareapplications 74 include standard Ethernet-ready (or other network)components. For example, if the electronic component 32 a is a computerunit, the network interface unit 70 may be an Ethernet adapter connectedto computer unit for carrying out network communications.

The network adapter module 66 is configured to receive network data 16from the network interface unit 70 over the network cable 72. Thenetwork adapter module 66 conveys the network data 16 to the signalmodulator module 68, which modulates the network data 16 into modulatednetwork data 30 and transmits the modulated network data 30 over the MUcable bus 26. The signal modulator module 68 also receives modulatednetwork data 30 from over the MU cable bus 26 and de-modulates themodulated network data 30 into network data 16, which it then conveys tothe network adapter module 66 for transmission to the network interfaceunit 70. One or both of the network adapter module 66 and the signalmodulator module 68 may perform various processing steps on the networkdata 16 and/or the modulated network data 30 for transmission andreception both over the MU cable bus 26 and/or over the network cable 72(to the network interface unit 70). Additionally, one both of thenetwork adapter module 66 and the signal modulator module 68 may performnetwork data routing functions.

The signal modulator module 68 includes an electrical output (e.g.,port, wires) for electrical connection to the MU cable bus 26, andinternal circuitry (e.g., electrical and isolation components,microcontroller, software/firmware) for receiving network data 16 fromthe network adapter module 66, modulating the network data 16 intomodulated network data 30, transmitting the modulated network data 30over the MU cable bus 26, receiving modulated network data 30 over theMU cable bus 26, de-modulating the modulated network data 30 intonetwork data 16, and communicating the network data 16 to the networkadapter module 66. The internal circuitry may be configured to modulateand de-modulate data using schemes such as those utilized in VDSL orVHDSL (very high bitrate digital subscriber line) applications, or inpower line digital subscriber line (PDSL) applications. One example of asuitable modulation scheme is orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing(OFDM). OFDM is a frequency-division multiplexing scheme wherein a largenumber of closely-spaced orthogonal sub-carriers are used to carry data.The data is divided into several parallel data streams or channels, onefor each sub-carrier. Each sub-carrier is modulated with a conventionalmodulation scheme (such as quadrature amplitude modulation or phaseshift keying) at a low symbol rate, maintaining total data rates similarto conventional single-carrier modulation schemes in the same bandwidth.The modulation or communication scheme may involve applying a carrierwave (at a particular frequency orthogonal to frequencies used fornon-network data in the MU cable bus) and modulating the carrier waveusing digital signals corresponding to the network data 16.

FIG. 13 shows one possible example of how the signal modulator module 68could function, cast in terms of the OSI network model, according to anembodiment of the inventive subject matter. In this example, the signalmodulator module 68 includes a physical layer 76 and a data link layer78. The data link layer 78 is divided into three sub-layers. The firstsub-layer is an application protocol convergence (APC) layer 80. The APClayer accepts Ethernet (or other network) frames 16 from an upperapplication layer (e.g., the network adapter module 66) and encapsulatesthem into MAC (medium access control) service data units, which aretransferred to a logical link control (LLC) layer 82. The LLC layer 82is responsible for potential encryption, aggregation, segmentation,automatic repeat-request, and similar functions. The third sub-layer ofthe data link layer 78 is a MAC layer 84, which schedules channelaccess. The physical layer 76 is divided into three sub-layers. Thefirst sub-layer is a physical coding sub-layer (PCS) 86, which isresponsible for generating PHY (physical layer) headers. The secondsub-layer is a physical medium attachment (PMA) layer 88, which isresponsible for scrambling and FEC (forward error correction)coding/decoding. The third sub-layer is a physical medium dependent(PMD) layer 90, which is responsible for bit-loading and OFDMmodulation. The PMD layer 90 is configured for interfacing with the MUcable bus 26, according to the particular configuration (electrical orotherwise) of the MU cable bus. The other sub-layers are mediumindependent, i.e., do not depend on the configuration of the MU cablebus.

FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram of an embodiment of a router transceiverunit 34 a. In this embodiment, the router transceiver unit 34 acomprises a control unit 92, a switch 94, a main bus 96, a networkinterface portion 98, and a VDSL module 1400. The control unit 92comprises a controller 102 and a control unit bus 104. The controller102 is electrically connected to the control unit bus 104 forcommunicating data over the bus 104. The controller 102 may be amicrocontroller or other processor-based unit, including supportcircuitry for the microcontroller. The switch 94 is a networkswitching/router module configured to process and route packet data andother data. The switch 94 interfaces the control unit 92 with the mainbus 96. The switch 94 may be, for example, a layer ⅔ multi-port switch.The network interface portion 98 is electrically connected to the mainbus 96, and comprises an octal PHY (physical layer) portion 106 and anetwork port portion 108. The network port portion 108 is electricallyconnected to the octal PHY portion 106. The octal PHY portion 106 maycomprise a 10/100/1000 Base T 8-port Ethernet (or other network)transceiver circuit. The network port portion 108 may comprise anEthernet (or other network) transformer and associated CAT-5E receptacle(or other cable type receptacle) for receiving a network cable 72.

The VDSL module 1400 is also connected to the main bus 96 by way of anoctal PHY unit 110, which may be the same unit as the octal PHY portion106 or a different octal PHY unit. The VDSL module 1400 comprises aphysical interface portion (PHY) 112 electrically connected to the octalPHY unit 110, a VDSL control 114 electrically connected to the physicalinterface portion 112, a VDSL analog front end unit 116 electricallyconnected to the VDSL control 114, and a VDSL port unit 118 electricallyconnected to the VDSL analog front end unit 116. The physical interfaceportion 112 acts as a physical and electrical interface with the octalPHY unit 110, e.g., the physical interface portion 112 may comprise aport and related support circuitry. The VDSL analog front end unit 116is configured for transceiving modulated network data 30 (e.g., sendingand receiving modulated data) over the MU cable bus 26, and may includeone or more of the following: analog filters, line drivers,analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters, and related supportcircuitry (e.g., capacitors). The VDSL control 114 is configured forconverting and/or processing network data 16 for modulation andde-modulation, and may include a microprocessor unit, ATM (asynchronoustransfer mode) and IP (Internet Protocol) interfaces, and digital signalprocessing circuitry/functionality. The VDSL port unit 118 provides aphysical and electrical connection to the MU cable bus 26, and mayinclude transformer circuitry, circuit protection functionality, and aport or other attachment or connection mechanism for connecting the VDSLmodule 1400 to the MU cable bus 26. Overall operation of the routertransceiver unit 34 a shown in FIG. 14 is similar to what is describedin relation to FIGS. 9, 10, and 12.

An embodiment of the inventive subject matter relates to a method forcommunicating data in a locomotive consist 12. The method comprisestransmitting network data 16, 30 between locomotives 18 a-18 c within alocomotive consist 12. (Each locomotive 18 a-18 c is adjacent to andmechanically coupled with one or more other locomotives in the consist.)The network data 16, 30 is transmitted over an MU cable bus 26interconnecting at least adjacent locomotives 18 a, 18 b in the consist12. The MU cable bus 12 is an existing cable bus used in the locomotiveconsist 12 for transferring non-network control information 28 betweenlocomotives 18 a-18 c in the consist 12.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises, at one or more of thelocomotives 18 a-18 c in the locomotive consist 12, converting thenetwork data 16 into modulated network data 30 for transmission over theMU cable bus 26. The modulated network data 30 is orthogonal to thenon-network control information 28 transferred over the MU cable bus.The method further comprises de-modulating the modulated network data 30received over the MU cable bus 26 for use by on-board electroniccomponents 32 a-32 c of the locomotives. Certain locomotives in aconsist may be network equipped according to the system and method ofthe inventive subject matter, e.g., outfitted with a router transceiverunit, and that other locomotives in the consist are not. For example,there may be first and third network-equipped locomotives physicallyseparated by a second locomotive that is not network equipped. In thiscase, the first and third locomotives are still able to communicate andexchange data even though there is a non-network equipped locomotivebetween them. This is possible because all the locomotives are stillelectrically connected via the MU cable bus. In one case, for example, alocomotive consist comprises first, second, and third locomotives, withthe second locomotive being disposed between the first and thirdlocomotives. A first router transceiver unit is positioned in the firstlocomotive, and a second router transceiver unit is positioned in thethird locomotive. The second locomotive, however, does not have a routertransceiver unit or other functionality for transmitting and/orreceiving network data over the MU cable bus. Nevertheless, network datais transmitted between the first and third locomotives through thesecond locomotive, with the network data passing through a portion ofthe MU cable bus in the second locomotive but not being transmitted orreceived by the second locomotive. In an embodiment, the method furthercomprises controlling at least one of the locomotives 18 a-18 c in theconsist based at least in part on the network data 16.

The locomotive consist 12 may be part of a vehicle system 60 (e.g., atrain) that comprises the locomotive consist 12 and a plurality ofrailcars 62. Here, the non-network control information 28 may be traincontrol information that is transmitted over the MU cable bus accordingto a designated voltage carrier signal (e.g., +74V).

With reference to FIG. 15, if the MU cable jumper 52 and/or internalelectrical system 40 includes plural discrete electrical wires or otherelectrical pathways, e.g., three discrete electrical wires 120 a-120 cas shown in FIG. 15, it may be the case that network data 30 istransmitted over only one of the plural discrete electrical wires orother electrical pathways. This may depend on what each pathway is usedfor in the locomotive consist and what type of information it carries.For example, it may be undesirable to transmit network data over a wire120 a that carries analog non-network data, whereas a wire 120 b thatcarries a digital signal (on +V, off 0 V) is more desirable fortransmitting network data.

An embodiment of the inventive subject matter relates to a communicationsystem 10 for communicating data in a locomotive consist 12. The system10 comprises a respective router transceiver unit 34 a-34 c positionedin each locomotive 18 a-18 c of a locomotive consist 12. Each routertransceiver unit 34 a-34 c is coupled to a locomotive multiple unit (MU)cable bus 26 in the locomotive consist 12 that interconnects adjacentlocomotives 18 a, 18 b. The MU cable bus 16 is an existing cable busused in the locomotive consist for transferring non-network controlinformation 28 between locomotives within the locomotive consist. Eachrouter transceiver unit 34 a-34 c is configured to transmit and/orreceive network data 16, 30 over the MU cable bus 26.

In an embodiment of the system 10, each router transceiver unit 34 a-34c is configured to convert the network data 16 into modulated networkdata 30 for transmission over the MU cable bus 26. The modulated networkdata being orthogonal to the non-network control information transferredbetween locomotives over the MU cable bus. Each router transceiver unitis further configured to de-modulate the modulated network data receivedover the MU cable bus for use by electronic components in thelocomotives of the consist.

An embodiment of the inventive subject matter relates to a communicationsystem for communicating data in a locomotive consist 12. In thisembodiment, the system comprise a respective router transceiver unit 34a-34 c positioned in each of a plurality of locomotives 18 a-18 c in theconsist 12. The system further comprises, in each of the plurality oflocomotives, a respective electronic component 32 a-32 c (e.g., computerunit) positioned in the locomotive and operably coupled to the routertransceiver unit in the locomotive. The router transceiver units 34 a-34c are electrically coupled to an MU cable bus 26, which is an existingcable bus used in the consist for transferring non-network controlinformation 28 between the plurality of locomotives. The routertransceiver units 34 a-34 c are configured to transmit and/or receivenetwork data 16, 30 over the MU cable bus 16, the network dataoriginating at one of electronic components 32 a-32 c and beingaddressed to another of the electronic components 32 a-32 c. Each routertransceiver unit may be configured to convert the network data intomodulated network data for transmission over the MU cable bus (themodulated network data being orthogonal to the non-network controlinformation transferred between locomotives over the MU cable bus), andto de-modulate the modulated network data received over the MU cable busfor use in one of the electronic components.

An embodiment relates to a communication system for communicating datain a locomotive consist 12. The system comprises a computer network inthe consist. The computer network comprises a respective electroniccomponent 32 a-32 c positioned in each of a plurality of locomotives 18a-18 c in the consist 12 and a locomotive multiple unit (MU) cable bus26. The MU cable bus 26 interconnects the electronics components and isan existing cable bus used in the consist for transferring non-networkcontrol information 28 between the locomotives. The electroniccomponents are configured to communicate by transmitting network data16, 30 over the MU cable bus 26, the network data 16 originating at oneof the electronic components and being addressed to another of theelectronic components. As should be appreciated, in this embodiment theelectronic components are configured to carry out the functionality ofthe router transceiver units 34 a-34 c as described above, and/or therouter transceiver units 34 a-34 c are part of (or comprise) theelectronic components. The computer network may be an Ethernet network.

An embodiment relates to a method for retrofitting a vehicle (e.g., alocomotive) for network data communications. The method comprisesoutfitting a locomotive with a router transceiver unit, interfacing therouter transceiver unit with an electronic component of the locomotive,and interfacing the router transceiver unit with a multiple unit (MU)cable bus of the locomotive. The MU cable bus is an existing cable busused for transferring non-network control information betweenlocomotives in a consist. The router transceiver unit is configured totransmit and/or receive network data over the MU cable bus.

An embodiment relates to a method for retrofitting a locomotive consistfor network data communications. The method comprises, at each of aplurality of locomotives 18 a-18 c in a consist 12, outfitting thelocomotive with a respective router transceiver unit 34 a-34 c,interfacing the router transceiver unit 34 a-34 c with an electroniccomponent 32 a-32 c of the locomotive, and interfacing the routertransceiver unit 34 a-34 c with a multiple unit (MU) cable bus 26 of thelocomotive. The MU cable bus is an existing cable bus used fortransferring non-network control information between locomotives in theconsist. Each router transceiver unit is configured to transmit and/orreceive network data 16, 30 over the MU cable bus 26.

Any of the aforementioned embodiments are also applicable forcommunicating data in vehicle consists generally. “Vehicle consist”refers to a group of vehicles that are mechanically coupled or linkedtogether to travel along a route.

For example, an embodiment of the inventive subject matter relates to asystem and method for communicating data in a vehicle consist 12.Network data 16, 30 is transmitted from a first vehicle 18 a in thevehicle consist 12 to a second vehicle 18 b in the vehicle consist. Thenetwork data 16, 30 is transmitted over an existing electrical cable bus26 that interconnects the first vehicle 18 a and the second vehicle 18b. The existing electrical cable bus 26 is used in the vehicle consist12 for transferring non-network control information 28 between the firstvehicle and the second vehicle. As should be appreciated, this methodand system is applicable to communicating data between any of the linkedvehicles 18 a-18 c, and thereby the terms “first” and “second” vehicleare used to identify respective vehicles in the vehicle consist and arenot meant to characterize an order or position of the vehicles unlessotherwise specified. That being said, it may be the case that the firstand second vehicles are adjacent to and mechanically coupled with oneanother.

The network data may be TCP/IP-formatted or SIP-formatted data.Additionally, each vehicle may include a computer unit, with thecomputer units 32 a-32 c communicating with one another by transmittingthe network data, formatted as TCP/IP data or SIP data or otherwise,over the existing electrical cable bus 26, and the computer unitsthereby forming a computer network, e.g., an Ethernet-type network.

The data transmitted over the MU cable bus may be “high bandwidth” data,meaning data transmitted at average rates of 10 Mbit/sec or greater.(“High bandwidth network data” is data that is packaged in packet formas data packets and transmitted over the MU cable bus at average ratesof 10 Mbit/sec or greater.) This reflects that the communication system(and associated method) are applicable for realizing a high informationdensity communication environment in a locomotive consist, e.g., it ispossible to exchange relatively large amounts of data betweenlocomotives in a timely manner. “Low bandwidth” data is data transmittedat average rages of less than 10 Mbit/sec. “Very low bandwidth” data isdata transmitted at average rates of 1200 bits/sec or less.

Turning back to FIGS. 16 through 21, the systems and methods forcommunicating data in a locomotive consist or other vehicle consist, forinter-consist equipment sparing and redundancy, will now be described inmore detail. The systems and methods may be implemented using the systemarchitecture of any of the embodiments described above, or they may beimplemented using wireless communication technology or another type ofwire-based communication system.

FIG. 16 is illustrative of several embodiments of a system 1600 forlocomotive inter-consist equipment sparing and redundancy. FIGS. 19through 21 illustrate several embodiments of associated methods forcommunicating data in a vehicle consist. The system 1600 comprises arespective control coordination system 1604 a, 1604 b on each of atleast two vehicles in a vehicle consist 1606, e.g., a first vehicle 1608a and a second vehicle 1608 b. (As above, the vehicle consist 1606comprises at least the first vehicle 1608 a and a second vehicle 1608 b,and possibly other vehicles 1608 c, with each vehicle 1608 a-1608 c inthe consist being adjacent to and mechanically coupled with one or moreother vehicles in the consist. In an embodiment, the vehicles 1608 a,1608 b are locomotives in a locomotive consist that is part of a train.)The control coordination systems 1604 a, 1604 b may be separate anddistinct controller units (e.g., computer units), or they may becentralized or distributed functional elements (e.g., implemented usingcontrol logic, control circuitry, or otherwise) incorporated into othercomponents of the vehicles, such as, but not limited to, the routertransceiver units discussed above, or they may be a combination thereof(e.g., some coordination units are separate/distinct control units, andothers are integrated functional components in another electronic orother component in a vehicle). In any case, the control coordinationsystems 1604 a, 1604 b are configured to coordinate carrying out one ormore of the methods for communicating data within the system 1600.

In an embodiment, the method comprises receiving, at 1900, at a secondvehicle 1608 b in a vehicle consist 1606, first data 1616 related to afirst vehicle 1608 a in the vehicle consist. (As noted above, data“related” to a vehicle means data originating from the vehicle, and/ordata addressed to other otherwise intended for the vehicle, and/or dataabout the vehicle, and/or data used as a basis, indirect or direct, forcontrolling the vehicle.) The first vehicle and the second vehicle arelinked by a communication channel (e.g., wireless or wired). Asindicated at 1902, the method further comprises, in a second electroniccomponent 1612 b onboard the second vehicle 1608 b, processing the firstdata 1616 according to a function unavailable to the first vehicle 1608a. (As also noted above, an “unavailable” function is one which thefirst vehicle is unable to perform, due to the first vehicle not beingequipped to perform the function or due to a failure, e.g., of anelectronic component, on board the first vehicle.) The method can beused for sparing failed components, as described herein; however, in abroader sense, the method relates to processing data for a first vehicleusing equipment on a second vehicle, for avoiding the need to outfit thefirst vehicle with the equipment (for example).

In an embodiment, with reference to FIG. 21, a method comprises, at2100, determining that a first electronic component 1612 a in the firstvehicle 1608 a of the vehicle consist 1606 is in a failure state. (Asalso noted above, “failure state,” or characterizing an electroniccomponent as “having failed” or “has failed,” refers to a state orcondition of the first electronic component 1612 a where the firstelectronic component 1612 a is unable to perform a designated function,including being unable to perform the function at all, or being unableto perform the function in a manner that meets designated performancerequirements.) Upon determining the failure state, at 2102, first data1616 is transmitted from the first vehicle 1608 a to a second electroniccomponent 1612 b on the second vehicle 1608 b, over a cable bus 1618 orother communication channel (e.g., wireless) linking the first vehicleand the second vehicle. The first data 1616 may be data related to thefirst vehicle 1608 a, such as data that was intended or designated forreceipt and/or processing by the first electronic component 1612 aand/or control data (e.g., control instructions) originating from thefirst vehicle and used for controlling the second electronic component1612 b, and/or other data. At 2104, the second electronic component 1612b is operated based on the first data 1616 (e.g., it performs somefunction on or according to the data), for performing the designatedfunction that the first electronic component 1612 a is unable toperform.

In this manner, the sparing and redundancy system 1600 is able to remote“spare” “swap” swap equipment between locomotives or other vehicles in aconsist. If an electronic component connected to the cable bus or othercommunication channel (which in an embodiment is configured as part of anetwork, as described above) fails in one vehicle, a similar electroniccomponent in another vehicle is used instead, through coordination ofcontrol functions and transfer of data over the cable bus or othercommunication channel (e.g., network) as facilitated by the controlcoordination systems. Advantageously, this provides a higher degree ofdispatch reliability and lower costs to equip a locomotive or othervehicle, since each vehicle will not require redundant equipment. Theredundancy is automatically provided by having multiple vehicles in theconsist.

In an embodiment, for example, the electronic component 1612 a is a dataradio located on a lead locomotive 1608 a, which communicates data froman on-board computer or other electronic component to a wayside oroffice device. If this radio device were to fail, a similar radio device1612 b on a trail locomotive 1608 b is used in its place, undercoordination and control of the control coordination systems, and bytransferring data over the network implemented over the MU cable bus,for example. (As noted, an electronic component is “similar” to anotherelectronic component if it can perform one or more functions of theother electronic component, within designated tolerance/performancelevels.) In an embodiment, a camera system records data from the frontend of the lead locomotive 1608 a and stores the data in a long-termstorage device 1612 a also on the lead locomotive. Should the long-termstorage device 1612 a become inoperative or damaged in a collision orotherwise, the data is stored either redundantly or alternatively on asimilar storage device 1612 b on a trail locomotive 1608 b. In anembodiment, if an on-board operator control computer in a first vehicleenters a failure state, then a similar on-board computer on a secondvehicle in the consist is used instead, in part by “remoting” thedisplay output and keyboard input to the lead locomotive. That is, thekeyboard input or other control input would be transmitted from thefirst vehicle to the on-board computer on the second vehicle, and thedisplay output of the on-board computer on the second vehicle would berouted back to the operator display on the first vehicle.

In an embodiment, with reference to FIG. 20, a method further comprises,at 2000, transmitting second data 1622 from the second vehicle 1608 b tothe first vehicle 1608 a over the communication channel. Alternatively,the second data 1622 may be transmitted from the second vehicle to adestination other than the first vehicle, such as an off-consistlocation. The second data 1622 relates to the first data as processedaccording to the function unavailable to the first vehicle. As describedin more detail below, the operation at 2000 is also applicable to themethod of FIG. 21, such as subsequent operation 2104.

For example, a method may additionally comprise transmitting second,return data 1622 (data sent in response to receiving other data) fromthe second electronic component 1612 b to the first vehicle 1608 a overthe cable bus 1618 or other communication channel, where the return datacorresponds to a data format of the first electronic component, andwhere the return data is used by one or more “third” electroniccomponents 1612 c on the first vehicle. This means that the return data1622 is formatted in a manner that allows it to be used/processed by thethird electronic components 1612 c in the first vehicle, as if it hadinstead originated at the first electronic component (the electroniccomponent on the first vehicle that is in a failure state), for example.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a system 270 forcommunicating data in a vehicle consist. The system 270 comprises a datareceiver module 272 and a data processor module 274 operably connectedto the data receiver module. The data receiver module 272 is configuredfor deployment in a second vehicle 276 in a vehicle consist and furtherconfigured to receive first data 278 related to a first vehicle 280 inthe vehicle consist. (In operation, the first vehicle is linked with thesecond vehicle by a communication channel 282.) The data processormodule 274 is configured for processing the first data according to afunction unavailable to the first vehicle 280.

In an embodiment of the system, with reference to FIG. 18, the systemfurther comprises a second data transmitter module 284. The dataprocessor module 274 is configured to generate second data 286 relatingto the first data 278 as processed according to the function unavailableto the first vehicle. The second data transmitter module 284 isconfigured to transmit the second data 286 to the first vehicle.

In an embodiment of the system, still with reference to FIG. 18, thesystem further comprises a fault determination module 288 and a firstdata transmitter module 290. (The first data transmitter module 290 maybe operably connected to the fault determination module 288.) The faultdetermination module 288 is configured for deployment in the firstvehicle 280, and is further configured to determine that a firstelectronic component 292 in the first vehicle is in a failure state. (Inthe failure state, the first electronic component is unable to performthe function unavailable to the first vehicle, the function being adesignated function of the first electronic component.) The first datatransmitter module 290 is configured to transmit the first data 278 fromthe first vehicle to the second vehicle in response to the faultdetermination module determining that the first electronic component isin the failure state.

In an embodiment, the system includes: (i) the fault determinationmodule 288 and the first data transmitter module 290; (ii) the faultdetermination module 288 is configured for deployment in the firstvehicle 280, and is further configured to determine that a firstelectronic component 292 in the first vehicle is in a failure state;(iii) the first data transmitter module 290 is configured to transmitthe first data 278 from the first vehicle to the second vehicle inresponse to the fault determination module determining that the firstelectronic component is in the failure state; (iv) the second datatransmitter module 284; (v) the data processor module 274 is configuredto generate second data 286 relating to the first data 278 as processedaccording to the function unavailable to the first vehicle; and (vi) thesecond data transmitter module 284 is configured to transmit the seconddata 286 to the first vehicle.

Each module 272, 274, 284, 288, and/or 290 may be a hardware (e.g.,tangible and non-transitory) and/or software module, configured forcarrying out the indicated functionality when deployed on a vehicle,e.g., when interfaced with an electronic component or other system ofthe vehicle. The indicated functionality may be carried out by themodule itself, or in conjunction with other vehicle system elementsunder the control of, or as reconfigured by, the module. For example, adata transmitter module may be software-based for controlling a radiofrequency transceiver unit for transmitted particular data.

In an embodiment, with reference to FIG. 24, the method furthercomprises determining a physical relationship between the first vehicle1608 a and the second vehicle 1608 b in the vehicle consist 1606. Thereturn data 1622 is used by the one or more third electronic components1612 c in consideration of the physical relationship, e.g., the returndata 1622 may be adjusted or otherwise processed based at least in parton the physical relationship. In an embodiment, the physicalrelationship is a distance 2426 between the first vehicle and the secondvehicle, including a distance between closest ends of the two vehiclesor a distance between designated points on the vehicles. Taking distanceor another physical relationship into account may be beneficialdepending on the nature of the data 1616, the return data 1622, and theoperation performed by the second, similar component 1612 b on thesecond vehicle 1608 b. For example, the return data 1622 could compriselocation data (e.g., GPS data) relating to a location of vehicle consist(and/or a vehicle in the consist), with the return data being processedby adjusting the location data based on the distance. This would preventerror from being introduced into data processing/calculations if thesystem/component using the location data expects the data to originateat the first vehicle 1608 a but the data instead comes from the secondvehicle 208 b.

In the case of a train, as an illustrative example, suppose a GPS unit1612 a in a first locomotive 1608 a of the train enters a failure state,and is unable to provide location data of the first locomotive 1608 a.The system 1600 sends data 1616 to a similar GPS unit 1612 b on a secondlocomotive 1608 b in the train, e.g., the data 1616 might be controldata requesting that the GPS unit 1612 b provide location data relatingto the location of the second locomotive 1608 b. (As should beappreciated, the GPS unit 1612 b would typically be a component normallyfound on the second locomotive, so is not necessarily provided speciallyfor the purpose of redundant equipment; rather, existing equipment isused for redundancy.) The GPS unit 1612 b on the second locomotive 1608b transmits location data as return data 1622 to a third electroniccomponent 1612 c on the first locomotive 1608 a. The third electroniccomponent 1612 c would typically be whatever component on the firstlocomotive 1608 a was requesting or would have otherwise used orreceived GPS/location data generated by the failed GPS unit 1612 a. Whenthe third electronic component 1612 c receives the return location data,it is “expecting” that the location data will be the location of thefirst, failed GPS unit 1612 a. However, since the second GPS unit 1612 bmay be many meters away, the third electronic component processes thereturn location data based on the distance 2426 and/or other physicalrelationship between the locomotives 1608 a, 1608 b. For example, thethird electronic component may factor in an amount of slack between thepropulsion-generating vehicles 1608 a and 1608 b.

For adjusting or otherwise processing return data based on a physicalrelationship between vehicles, other factors may also be taken intoaccount, such as vehicle heading. In particular, in order to adjust GPScoordinates based on a distance between vehicles, it would be necessaryto not only account for the distance between vehicles, but also fortheir cardinal direction/orientation. Additionally, the physicalrelationship may include information relating to an orientation of thesecond vehicle with respect to the first vehicle and/or a respectivelength of the first vehicle and/or the second vehicle. For example, inthe case of two locomotives 1608 a, 1608 b, as indicated in FIG. 24, onelocomotive 1608 a may be oriented short hood forward, and the other 1608b oriented long hood forward, with each locomotive having a length “L”based on the locomotive design/specification. This information(orientation, length, etc.), along with information on the placement ofparticular electronic components within a locomotive or other vehicle,may be used to calculate the distance between an electronic component1612 a on one vehicle 1608 a and a similar electronic component 1612 bon another vehicle 1608 b.

In an embodiment, a physical relationship between vehicles in a consistis determined at least in part based on a respective identifier of eachof one or more of the vehicles in the consist. For example, a physicalrelationship between a first vehicle 1608 a and a second vehicle 1608 bin a vehicle consist 1606 could be determined at least in part based onan identifier of the second vehicle. “Identifier” refers to informationuniquely associated with the vehicle (e.g., VIN number, road number,serial number), or identifying information that is not necessarilyuniquely associated with the vehicle but that provides or can be used todetermine information about one or more characteristics of the vehicle(e.g., a vehicle model type may be used to determine a length of thevehicle and the positioning of components located on the vehicle).

In an embodiment, when a first electronic component on a first vehicleenters a failure state where it is unable to perform a designatedfunction, instead of using another component to perform the samefunction, a second electronic component on a second vehicle is operatedto perform a substitute function that is deemed a suitable equivalent(by the operators of the vehicle consist) in certain conditions, e.g.,an emergency condition stemming from component failure or otherwise.This may be useful if none of the other components in a vehicle consistare able to perform a designated function of a failed component, but oneis able to perform a suitable equivalent.

The system 1600 may be implemented using network communications over anMU cable bus, as described in regards to FIGS. 9 through 15. In anembodiment, for example, the system carries out a method forcommunicating data in a vehicle consist, such as a locomotive consist.The method comprises determining that a first electronic component in afirst propulsion-generating vehicle (e.g., a first locomotive) of theconsist is in a failure state. (The consist comprises at least the firstpropulsion-generating vehicle and a second propulsion-generatingvehicle, with each locomotivepropulsion-generating vehicle in theconsist being adjacent to and mechanically coupled with one or moreother propulsion-generating vehicles in the consist.) In the failurestate, the first electronic component is unable to perform a designatedfunction of the first electronic component. As above, unless otherwisespecified, this encompasses the first electronic component being unableto perform the function at all, or being unable to perform the functionin a manner that meets designated performance requirements. Upondetermining the failure state, network data is transmitted from thefirst propulsion-generating vehicle to a second electronic component onthe second propulsion-generating vehicle. The network data istransmitted over a cable bus (e.g., an MU cable bus) interconnecting atleast the first and second propulsion-generating vehicles in theconsist. The MU cable bus is an existing cable bus used in the consistfor transferring non-network control information betweenpropulsion-generating vehicles in the consist. The method furthercomprises operating the second electronic component based on thetransmitted data, wherein the second electronic component performs thedesignated function that the first electronic component is unable toperform.

Alternatively or additionally, the system 1600 may be implemented usingcommunications channels other than an MU cable bus, such as a dedicatedcable interconnecting the locomotives or other vehicles, or one or morewireless/RF communication channels.

From a control perspective, the functionality of the system 1600 forlocomotive/vehicle inter-consist equipment sparing and redundancy may beimplemented in different manners, depending on the vehicles andelectronic components in question, the communication channel(s) used,etc. FIG. 22 is illustrative of an embodiment, in the context of firstand second vehicles 1608 a, 1608 b in a vehicle consist 1606, andinterconnected/linked via a cable bus or other communication channel1618, implemented as a network or otherwise. Each vehicle includes aplurality of electronic components 1612 a-1612 f that perform variousfunctions in the vehicles (for example, one vehicle 1608 a includeselectronic components 1612 a, 1612 c, 1612 d, and the other vehicle 1608b includes electronic components 1612 b, 1612 e, 1612 f). The vehiclesand electronic components may be the same models, or they may bedifferent. Each vehicle 1608 a, 1608 b is outfitted with a respectivecontrol coordination system 1604 a, 1604 b, as described above. In eachvehicle, the control coordination system 1604 a, 1604 b on the vehicleis directly or indirectly interfaced with one or more designated ones ofthe electronic components in the vehicle; meaning that the controlcoordination system receives information relating to the electroniccomponents or is able to determine or generate such information.

As discussed above, the control coordination systems 1604 a, 1604 bfacilitate remote “swapping” of electronic components in differentvehicles in a consist, so that when one component enters a failurestate, a redundant component in another vehicle is used instead. Forthis process, the control coordination system in a vehicle monitors thehealth or status of each electronic component with which it isinterfaced. This may be done in any of several different ways, such as,for example, the control coordination system periodically communicatingwith the electronic components, the control coordination systemmonitoring each electronic component's function or output (throughsensing or otherwise), the electronic components being configured tosend a failure message/signal to the control coordination system uponentering a failure state, the control coordination system receivingnotification from other components, or the like. As noted above, thecontrol coordination systems may be implemented in a distributedfunctional manner, wherein different functional aspects are deployed atdifferent components within the system 1600; thus, the electroniccomponents may be configured or reconfigured, as part of a controlcoordination system, to provide status information indicating when theyhave entered a failure state. If needed, each control coordinationsystem may process information about the electronic components withwhich it is interfaced to determine if any of the electronic componentshave entered a failure state.

If a control coordination system 1604 a in a first vehicle 1608 adetermines that an associated electronic component 1612 a, 1612 c,and/or 1612 d has entered a failure state, data is transmitted from thefirst vehicle 1608 a to an electronic component 1612 b, 1612 e, and/or1612 f in another vehicle 1608 b for performing the function of thefailed electronic component. In an embodiment, upon determining afailure state of an electronic component, the control coordinationsystem determines the type and/or function of the failed component. Thismay be done by polling (communicating with) the failed component, bycommunicating with other components in the system (e.g., what the othercomponent was attempting to use the failed component for), byreferencing stored data about the failed component (e.g., model number,component type, function type, or the like), or otherwise. The controlcoordination system, possibly through coordination with another controlcoordination system, then identifies a similar/redundant electroniccomponent in another vehicle in the consist, and manages the transfer ofdata to and from the similar electronic component, if needed. Thesimilar electronic component may be identified by correlating theinformation about the failed component (e.g., model, type of component,and/or function of component) to information about the other componentsin the vehicle consist. For example, if the failed component is a dataradio, then the control coordination system would identify another dataradio, capable of performing the function of the failed data radio, inanother vehicle in the consist. Data flow management may involveactively processing and/or rerouting data originally intended for thefailed component, e.g., for receipt by a similar/redundant component, orit may involve informing other components in the vehicle, which wereattempting to communicate with or otherwise utilize the failedcomponent, how to communicate with the similar/redundant component. Forexample, a network address of the similar/redundant component may beprovided, to which subsequent data (information and/or control commands)is addressed.

For identifying suitable similar/redundant electronic components in casean electronic component enters a failure state, each controlcoordination system may include memory or other functionality forstoring information 224 about the electronic components with which it isinterfaced and information about other components in the vehicleconsist. FIG. 22 shows one example, where information is organized intabular form (for illustration purposes). In this example, the tableincludes information, in the left hand column, about the electroniccomponents (“component 1”-“component n”) in a first vehicle, which inthis example is the vehicle 1608 a associated with the controlcoordination system 1604 a. For each component, there is associatedinformation about the component, such as model, category/type, function,or the like. Each subsequent column is for an additional vehicle in thevehicle consist, with each column containing information about theelectronic components in that vehicle. When the control coordinationsystem 1604 a determines that an electronic component in its associatedvehicle has entered a failure state, the control coordination systemaccesses information about the failed component in the storedinformation 224, and uses the accessed information to determine asuitable similar/redundant component in another vehicle, e.g., bycorrelating or cross-referencing the information about the failedcomponent from the table to other information in the table. Additionallyor alternatively, each electronic component in the table can bepre-linked to another electronic component in the table. The informationin the table (or other data structure) may be pre-generated whenvehicles are linked, through communication of the control coordinationsystems 1604 a, 1604 b, or it may be generated when needed. The storedinformation 224 may include data for facilitating communications withthe various electronic components, for example, network addresses ofeach electronic component. In an embodiment, each control coordinationsystem includes stored information about the electronic components onthe vehicle with which it is associated, and determines asimilar/redundant component on another vehicle by communicatinginformation of the failed component to the control coordination systemson the other vehicles. For example, a control coordination system mayquery the other control coordination systems based on information of afailed component, which respond if they are associated with a suitablesimilar/redundant component on their respective vehicles.

To reiterate, in an embodiment where the various electronic componentsare configured as a network, with communications over the cable bus orother communication channel 1618, the system 1600 functions by: (i) whena component enters a failure state, a suitable similar/redundantcomponent is identified, as above; and (ii) instead of addressing datato the failed component, data is addressed to the similar/redundantcomponent in another vehicle. This may be done by each electroniccomponent being informed of the substitution (e.g., that they shouldaddress data according to the address of the similar/redundantcomponent), by using a data forwarding or translation function in therouter transceiver units or otherwise (e.g., if data for a failedcomponent is received at a router transceiver, the data is re-addressedor otherwise modified for transmission instead to the similar/redundantcomponent), or the like.

The method and system 1600 for locomotive inter-consist equipmentsparing and redundancy may be extended across plural electroniccomponents in the vehicles of a vehicle consist, so that if a componententers a failure state, or if a “spare” or similar component (oneperforming a function of another, failed component) fails, a similarcomponent in another vehicle is used in its place. For example, thesystem may be configured so that if two electronic components fail in avehicle, the respective functions of the two components are carried outon similar electronic components on two other, different vehicles in theconsist.

In an embodiment involving “swapping out” of plural failed components,as above, and with reference to FIG. 24, a first electronic component1612 a in a first vehicle 1608 a of a vehicle consist 1606 is determinedto be in a failure state, and data 1616 is transmitted from the firstvehicle 1608 a to a second electronic component 1612 b on the secondvehicle 1608 b over a communication channel linking the vehicles in theconsist. The second electronic component 1612 b is operated based on thetransmitted data 1616, for performing the designated function that thefirst electronic component 1612 a is unable to perform, and possiblyincluding the transmission of return data 1622 to a third electroniccomponent 1612 c in the first vehicle 1608 a. Additionally, otherelectronic components in the vehicles are monitored for determining ifany of the electronic components have failed. For example, it may bedetermined that the third electronic component 1612 c in the firstvehicle 1608 a has failed. If so, third data 1628 is transmitted fromthe first vehicle 1608 a (or possibly from the second or other vehicle)to a fourth electronic component 1612 d located on a third vehicle 1608c of the vehicle consist. (The fourth electronic component 1612 d couldinstead be located on the second vehicle.) The fourth electroniccomponent 1612 d is similar to the third, failed electronic component1612 c and is operated based on the third data 1628, e.g., forperforming a function of the third electronic component 1612 c that thethird electronic component 1612 c is unable to perform and/or fortransmitting return data to another component in one of the othervehicles.

If one of the “swapped to” components subsequently fails, the system maybe configured to “re-swap” to another, similar electronic component inthe same or another vehicle. For example, if it is determined that thethird electronic component 1612 c in the first vehicle 1608 a hasfailed, the system identifies a fourth electronic component 1612 d in athird vehicle 1608 c in the consist (or in the second vehicle 1608 b)that is similar to the third electronic component 1612 c. If it is thendetermined that the fourth electronic component 1612 d has failed, thirddata 1628 is transmitted from the first vehicle and/or the secondvehicle to a fifth electronic component 1612 e that is located on thesecond vehicle or the third vehicle of the vehicle consist. The seconddata may be data designated for processing by the third, failedelectronic component 1612 c, and with the fifth electronic component1612 e being similar to the third electronic component and operatedbased on the second data.

In an embodiment involving “re-swapping,” a first electronic component1612 a in a first vehicle 1608 a of a vehicle consist 1606 is determinedto be in a failure state, and first data 1616 is transmitted from thefirst vehicle 1608 a to a second electronic component 1612 b on thesecond vehicle 1608 b over a communication channel linking the vehiclesin the consist. The second electronic component 1612 b is operated basedon the transmitted first data 1616, for performing the designatedfunction that the first electronic component 1612 a is unable toperform, and possibly including the transmission of second, return data1622 to a third electronic component 1612 c in the first vehicle 1608 a.Additionally, if it is determined that the second electronic component1612 b has failed, the first data 1616 is transmitted from the firstvehicle and/or the second vehicle to a third electronic component 1612 don a third vehicle 1608 c of the vehicle consist. The third electroniccomponent 1612 d is similar to the first electronic component 1612 a andis operated based on the first data 1616, for performing a designatedfunction that the first electronic component is unable to perform.

In an embodiment involving monitoring multiple electronic components, afirst electronic component 1612 a in a first vehicle 1608 a of a vehicleconsist 1606 is determined to be in a failure state, and first data 1616is transmitted from the first vehicle 1608 a to a second electroniccomponent 1612 b on the second vehicle 1608 b over a communicationchannel linking the vehicles in the consist. The second electroniccomponent 1612 b is operated based on the transmitted first data 1616,for performing the designated function that the first electroniccomponent 1612 a is unable to perform. Additionally, the secondelectronic component 1612 b and at least one third electronic component1612 c in the vehicle consist are monitored for determining if any ofthe second electronic component and at least one third electroniccomponent has failed. For each of the second electronic component and atleast one third electronic component that is determined as havingfailed, data, designated for the component that is determined as havingfailed, is transmitted to a fourth, similar electronic component 1612 d.The fourth electronic component 1612 d is located on a vehicle 1608 c ofthe vehicle consist that is different than the vehicle 1608 a or 1608 bon which the component that is determined as having failed is located.

The method(s) and system(s) 1600 for locomotive inter-consist equipmentsparing and redundancy may be implemented on a per-vehicle basis, oneach of one or more of a plurality of vehicles in a vehicle consist(e.g., locomotives in a locomotive consist). Here, for each vehicle of aplurality of vehicles 1608 a, 1608 b, 1608 c in the vehicle consist1606, at least one electronic component 1612 a, 1612 b, 1612 c in thevehicle is monitored to determine if the at least one electroniccomponent has failed. For each of the at least one electronic componentdetermined to have failed, say, for example, component 1612 a, firstdata 1616 is transmitted from the vehicle 1608 a or a second vehicle inthe consist 1608 b or 1608 c to a similar electronic component (e.g.,component 1612 e) in a third or other vehicle 1608 c in the consist. Thefirst data 1616 is designated for the electronic component 1608 adetermined to have failed, and is transmitted over a communicationchannel 1618 linking vehicles in the vehicle consist. Additionally,second, return data 1622 is transmitted from the similar electroniccomponent 1612 e to one of the vehicles in the consist. The return datais generated by the similar electronic component 1612 e based on thefirst data 1616. The first data 1616 may be transmitted based on anetwork address of the similar component 1612 e, which is identified bythe system when it is determined that a component has failed and a needexists for utilizing the similar component to perform a designatedfunction of the failed component.

In an embodiment of the system 1600, with reference to FIG. 25, thecommunication channel 1618 (e.g., MU cable bus 26 or other cable bus,wireless channel 240, or other communication channel) is used tocommunicate operations data, voice data, and/or command data(collectively, data 242) from one or more of the vehicles in the consistto another vehicle in the consist. For example, in the case of a train,data 242 b, 242 c, 242 d may be transmitted from each of a plurality ofremote locomotives 1608 b, 1608 c, 1608 d, respectively, to a leadlocomotive 1608 a. Additionally, data 242 a may be transmitted from thelead locomotive 1608 a to one or more of the remote locomotives 1608 b,1608 c, 1608 d. (Data 242 may also be transmitted from one remotelocomotive to one or more other remote locomotives.) The operations datais data relating to how a particular vehicle is operating/running,including data relating to one or more of vehicle speed, vehicle brakingstatus, tractive effort including slippage, motor condition/performance,vehicle engine and power system output and status, emissions, and thelike. Voice data is data comprising analog- or digital-encoded human orsimilar speech or other sound. Command data is data used to control oneor more components or systems in a vehicle consist. (Unless otherwisespecified, the terms “command data” and “control data” as used herein assynonymous.) The data 242 may be transmitted over the communicationchannel 1618 as network data and/or high bandwidth data, e.g., highbandwidth network data about operations of the second vehicle(operations data) is transmitted from a second vehicle in a consist to afirst vehicle in the consist over the communication channel. In anembodiment, the system is additionally configured to transmit respectiveoperations data about operations of each of a plurality of thirdvehicles 1608 c in the vehicle consist to the first vehicle 1608 a inthe consist. The respective data is transmitted from the third vehiclesto the first vehicle over the communication channel 1618. In anembodiment, the operations data about operations of a vehicle (a secondvehicle or any third or other vehicles) is periodically regularlyautomatically transmitted, meaning transmitted without human initiation,on a periodic basis, at regular intervals. The operations, voice, and/orcommand data may be used by systems aboard the first vehicle (e.g., atrain control computer or system), and/or it may be displayed tooperators aboard the first vehicle using a display device (e.g.,computer monitor/screen).

In an embodiment, the system 1600 is configured (or additionallyconfigured in combination with one or more features of the embodimentsset forth herein) for remote system control of vehicles 1608 b-1608 d ina consist based at least in part on data 242 a-242 d exchanged betweenvehicles 1608 a-1608 d. (The first vehicle 1608 a may be a leadlocomotive in a locomotive consist, and the other vehicles 1608 b-1608 dmay be remote/trail locomotives in the consist; the data 242 a-242 d maybe high bandwidth data and/or network data.) The first vehicle 1608 areceives operational or other data 242 b-242 d from the other vehicles1608 b-1608 d. Based on the operational or other data, the first vehicle1608 a transmits command data or other data 242 a to the other vehicles1608 b-1608 d. The vehicles 1608 b-1608 d respond to the command orother data by controlling one or more components or systems on thevehicles based on the data received from the first vehicle. In anembodiment, the data 242 a is network data, which is respectivelyaddressed to particular electronic components in the vehicle consist;the electronic components are configured to respond or act upon thereceived network data (e.g., network data addressed to them), based onthe content of the data. In an embodiment, the data 242 a isadditionally or alternatively high bandwidth data.

As an example, in the context of a train, remote locomotives 1608 b-1608d in the train may be configured to transmit operations data 242 b-242 dto the lead locomotive 1608 a. The lead locomotive 1608 a receives theoperations data 242 b-242 d and reviews or otherwise processes the data,either automatically and/or in conjunction with operator review. Basedon the processed data, the lead locomotive 1608 a generates command data242 a for transmitting to one or more of the remote locomotives in theconsist. The command data 242 a may be network data (and/or highbandwidth data) addressed to particular electronic components in theremote locomotives, or it may be otherwise configured for reception at aparticular electronic component. The command data is received at theelectronic component for which it is designated, and is processed by theelectronic component. The electronic component is then controlled basedon the command content of the command data. For example, if a remotelocomotive 1608 c experiences a fault in an electronic component 1612 c,information 244 relating to the fault may be transmitted as operationsdata 242 c from the remote locomotive 1608 c to the lead locomotive 1608a. The lead locomotive processes the data 242 c, and recognizes that theremote locomotive has reported a fault in component 1612 c. Based on thenature of the fault, the lead locomotive 1608 a may take corrective orother control action by transmitting command data 242 a to the remotelocomotive 1608 c. The command data 242 a may include data 246instructing the remote locomotive to reset the fault. If so, when thecommand data 242 a is received and processed by the remote locomotive1608 c, it acts upon the command data by resetting the fault, as at 248,e.g., a control action=f (command data). The command data 242 a may beaddressed to the particular electronic component 1612 c, if theelectronic component is able to reset the fault, or it may be sent toanother electronic component in the remote locomotive 208 c forresetting the fault. An “electronic component” includes both a singlecomponent and a system of components, References to resetting a fault ofan electronic component by transmitting command data to the electroniccomponent includes the situation where one component is non-functionaland command data is transmitted to and acted upon by another, secondcomponent. In a locomotive or other vehicle, command data may beprocessed and acted upon by a particular electronic component, or by acontrol coordination system in the vehicle, or by another controlsystem/unit.

As another example, a locomotive typically includes a number of powerelectronic components (e.g., alternators, energy storage units),tractive electronic components (e.g., inverters, motors, dynamic brakingresistive grids), and other electronic components (e.g., controlsystems, communication equipment). If one of these components fails, thelocomotive may not be able to take self-corrective action. In any event,other locomotives in the train or consist may be unaware of the failedcomponent and will be unable to act accordingly, for correctivecompensation action or otherwise. This may lead to damage, or at leastto lowered performance levels in a locomotive, consist, or train. In anembodiment, therefore, with reference to FIG. 23, the system 1600 isconfigured for the remote cutout of failed components in a locomotive ina consist. Here, if an electronic component 1612 (e.g., a traction motor250) in a remote locomotive 1608 c fails, fault data 244 (or dataotherwise relating to the failure) is generated by the locomotive 1608 c(e.g., by a control coordination system, or control system/unit, orotherwise) and transmitted as operations data 242 c to a lead or otherdesignated locomotive 1608 a in the consist. The lead or otherdesignated locomotive 1608 a processes the received operations data,determines if it is possible to initiate a corrective or compensatoryaction, generates appropriate command data 242 a (e.g., command data=f(reported failure)) that contains data 246 for initiating the correctiveor compensatory action, such as cutting out the failed component, andtransmits the command data 242 a to the remote locomotive 1608 c. Theremote locomotive 1608 c receives the command data 242 a, processes thecommand data 242 a, and carries out a control action 248 based on thedata content 246 of the command data 242 a. For example, for a failedtraction motor 250, the command data 242 a may specify that the tractionmotor 250 should be cut out, e.g., shut down and electrically and/ormechanically bypassed. The remote locomotive receives the command dataand cuts out the failed motor 250, by shutting down the motor andelectrically and/or mechanically bypassing the motor. Other failedelectronic components may be cut out in a similar manner, bydeactivating/bypassing the component. Where applicable, the functions offailed components may be carried out using inter-consist equipmentsparing, as described herein.

A consist may include a plurality of locomotives that are able tocommunicate network and/or high bandwidth data with one another and witha designated locomotive (e.g., lead locomotive), wherein thedesignated/lead locomotive is able to command individual locomotiveoperations via the network and/or high bandwidth communication channel.In an embodiment, the lead loco runs performance algorithms to determinethe most efficient mode of operation for the locomotives in the consist,and adjusts individual locomotives accordingly. For example, if theconsist is operating at a certain throttle notch level, it may be moreadvantageous and/or efficient to set one locomotive in the consist toidle and adjust the throttle notches of the other locomotives tomaintain the same level of tractive effort in the consist whileoperating all locos in the consist in the most efficient mode ofoperation.

The remote locomotive 1608 c may transmit operations data 242 c to thelead locomotive confirming that the remote cutout command or othercommand 246 specified in the command data 242 a was executed.Additionally, the lead locomotive 1608 a may modify its currentoperational mode based on the knowledge that the failed component inquestion has been cut out. For example, if the cutout failed componentis a traction motor, and the remote locomotive 1608 c is only operableusing its remaining traction motors, then the lead locomotive 1608 a mayincrease its own traction output to compensate for the failed motor 250.Information about the failed, cutout component 250 may be provided tothe other locomotives in the consist for acting accordingly, and/or thelead locomotive may generate and transmit command data 242 a to theother locomotives, where the command data is generated based at least inpart on knowledge of the failed, cutout component 250. That is, theremote locomotives are not provided with explicit knowledge of thecutout component in the other locomotive 1608 c, but are commanded toact in a manner for compensating for the cutout component. For example,for a cutout motor in one locomotive 1608 c, the lead locomotive 1608 amay command the other locomotive(s) 1608 b in the consist to adjusttheir dynamic braking and/or other tractive efforts accordingly.

In any of the embodiments described herein, the system may be configuredto account for legacy equipment in a consist, and, more specifically, toaccount for and accommodate legacy locomotives or other vehicles thatare not equipped to receive and process high bandwidth data and/ornetwork data. To explain further, in train and similar fleet vehiclesystems, new technology may only be implemented, at least initially, ona relatively small number of the total vehicles in the fleet. This istypically for cost control purposes, for evaluation purposes, and/orbecause it may not be deemed necessary to outfit all vehicles in a fleetwith particular new technology (e.g., based on how and where thevehicles are used). As such, it will oftentimes be the case that“updated” vehicles may be operated along with legacy vehicles, such asin a train, where the train may include both newer/updated locomotivesand older locomotives.

FIG. 26 shows an embodiment of the system 1600 configured to accommodatelegacy vehicles in a vehicle consist. Here, as an illustrative example,the vehicle consist 1606 is a locomotive consist having a leadlocomotive 1608 a, a first remote locomotive 1608 b, and a second remotelocomotive 1608 c. The lead and second remote locomotives 1608 a, 1608 care “updated” locomotives, meaning each is equipped with functionality,e.g., router transceiver units 34 a, 34 c, for transceiving network dataand/or high bandwidth data 16. The first remote locomotive 1608 b, onthe other hand, is a “legacy” locomotive, meaning that it is notequipped with functionality for transceiving network data and/or highbandwidth data. However, as discussed above, each of the locomotives1608 a-1608 c, including the updated locomotives, is still equipped withlegacy communication equipment, such as an MU cable bus or otherexisting electrical cable bus 26 that interconnects the locomotives inthe consist. In operation, non-network control information 28 (“legacyinformation”) is generated and transmitted over the cable bus 26 in astandard manner, as low bandwidth analog signals. Additionally, networkdata and/or high bandwidth data 16 is also transmitted over the cablebus 26. The data 16 is formatted and/or transmitted in a manner where itdoes not interfere with the legacy information 28. This may be done byconverting the data 16 into modulated data that is orthogonal to thenon-network control information 28, using frequency multiplexing, timemultiplexing, or the like, as discussed above.

The legacy locomotive 1608 b is unable to receive or process the networkdata and/or high bandwidth data 16. However, since the data 16 isorthogonal to the legacy information 28, it does not interfere with thelegacy information; in effect, the data 16 is transparent to the legacylocomotive 1608 b. The legacy information 28 is transmitted over thecable bus and is received and processed by electronic equipment 32 b(e.g., an MU cable bus modem) in the legacy locomotive 1608 b, in astandard manner. The cable bus 26 extending through the legacylocomotive 1608 b acts as a communication conduit for the network dataand/or high bandwidth data 16, as transmitted between the two updatedlocomotives 1608 a, 1608 b.

In an embodiment, each “updated” locomotive 1608 a, 1608 c retainslegacy equipment 32 d, 32 e (e.g., MU cable bus modem functionality),respectively, for transceiving legacy information 28. Legacy information28 may be used supplemental to or in addition to data 16, but in a moretypical situation the data 16 and information 28 overlap in terms offunctional content. For example, both may include throttle commandinformation. Here, each updated locomotive 1608 a, 1608 c may beconfigured to act upon network data and/or high bandwidth data 16 whenit is available and supersedes legacy information 28, but to otherwiseuse and act upon the legacy information 28. For example, in the case ofa train throttle command, the updated locomotives 1608 a, 1608 c may beoutfitted with a train control system that provides for an “infinite”throttle. That is, between a minimum throttle position of “0” (idle) anda maximum of “8” (for example), instead of having grossly discretethrottle/notch levels of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and so on, as inconventional/legacy train traction systems, throttle positions areallowed at a more granular level, such as in 0.1 or 0.01 increments. Forcommanding throttle operations, the lead locomotive 208 a transmits an“infinite” throttle command 252 (e.g., notch level 4.25) as highbandwidth and/or network data 16 over the cable bus 26. The leadlocomotive 1608 a also transmits a legacy notch command 254 over thecable bus 26 as legacy information 28, based on the established legacythrottle control format. The legacy notch command may be the legacynotch command closest to the infinite throttle command, or it may beanother designated notch command that is utilized for particular traincontrol purposes. For example, in the case where certain locomotives arecontrolled to operate at an infinite throttle command of 4.25, thelegacy notch setting may be 4.

As indicated in FIG. 26, the legacy notch command 254 is transmittedover the cable bus 26 from the lead locomotive 1608 a and is received atboth the remote locomotives 1608 b, 1608 c. Additionally, an infinitethrottle command 252 is transmitted over the cable bus as data 16.Although the data 16 passes through the legacy remote locomotive 1608 b,the remote locomotive 1608 b cannot process or use the data 16. Instead,the locomotive 1608 b receives, processes, and acts upon the legacynotch command 254. The updated locomotive 1608 c receives both thelegacy notch command 254 and the infinite notch command 252. The updatedlocomotive 1608 c determines that both commands 252, 254 relate to notchsettings. Since the infinite notch command 252 arrives as part of thenetwork data and/or high bandwidth data 16, the updated locomotive 1608c acts upon the command 252 and not the legacy command 254. That is, inan embodiment the system is configured so that if an updated locomotivereceives command data over both a high-bandwidth/network channel and alegacy channel, the network data and/or high bandwidth data 16 receivedover the high-bandwidth/network channel is considered to supersede thedata received over the legacy channel. In an embodiment, updatedlocomotives may be configured to disregard all data present on a legacychannel when a high-bandwidth/network channel is present and operatingwithin designated parameters. In an embodiment, updated locomotives areconfigured to select between legacy data and high-bandwidth data and/ornetwork data based on the nature of the data and the internal controlalgorithms of the locomotive.

In an embodiment, updated locomotives 1608 a, 1608 c are configured toutilize network data and/or high bandwidth data 16 when data 16 ispresent and usable (e.g., the data is not only present but able to beprocessed and “understood” by the locomotive), but to otherwise uselegacy information 28. This is illustrated in FIG. 26 with respect tothe updated locomotive 1608 c. The locomotive 1608 c may receive bothdata 16 and legacy information 28, or only legacy information 28. If thenetwork data and/or high bandwidth data 16 is present and usable, thencommand/control of the locomotive 208 c is carried out as a function ofthe data 16. Otherwise, command and control of the locomotive 1608 c iscarried out as a function of the legacy information 28. Such aconfiguration is beneficial for instances where network data and/or highbandwidth data 16 is not received or usable by the locomotive 1608 c,such as due to router transceiver unit failure, a failure in the leadlocomotive, a communication channel disruption, or the like. Forexample, if the high-bandwidth and/or network system goes down, but theexisting cable bus system is still operational, the system automaticallyreverts to using the legacy equipment for communications and controlwithin the locomotive consist, as a fallback means.

As an example, suppose a locomotive consist as in FIG. 26 is operatingin a traction mode where the lead locomotive 1608 a has transmitted aninfinite throttle command 252 of “5.5” and a legacy notch command 254 of“5” over the cable bus 26. All communication systems are operatingnormally. The legacy locomotive 1608 b receives the legacy notch command254 of “5” and adjusts its tractive effort accordingly. The updatedremote locomotive 1608 c receives both the legacy notch command and theinfinite throttle setting, and adjusts its tractive effort to level“5.5.” However, further suppose that at a later point in time, thenetwork/high-bandwidth communication channel between the two updatedlocomotives 1608 a, 1608 c fails. The updated remote locomotive 1608 csimply adjusts its tractive effort to “5,” based on the legacy notchcommand 254 received over the legacy channel.

Although illustrated in regards to the case where both the legacyinformation and network/high-bandwidth data 16 is transmitted over acable bus 26 (e.g., MU cable bus), the embodiments described above arealso applicable to cases where legacy information 28 is transmitted overa cable bus and network and/or high-bandwidth data 16 is transmittedover a different medium, such as wireless. Here, for example, an updatedremote locomotive 1608 c could be configured to base control operationson data 16 when it is received over a wireless channel and usable by thelocomotive 1608 c, but, if the wireless channel fails or the data 16 isotherwise not usable, to instead use legacy information 28 received overthe cable bus 26.

The aforementioned embodiments enable the interoperability of legacy andupdated locomotives. Network and/or high bandwidth data is transmittedover an MU cable bus or other cable bus interconnecting the locomotives,as is legacy information (e.g., conventional MU signals). If alocomotive control system is equipped and able to read the networkand/or high bandwidth data, it uses the network and/or high bandwidthdata (and makes use of any information available in such data that isnot available in legacy information). If not equipped in this manner, alocomotive continues to use the legacy information. Over time, legacycommunication equipment will be replaced (or legacy locomotives will bereplaced with updated locomotives), and in the meantime locomotivesalready updated with equipment for transceiving and processing networkand/or high bandwidth data can take advantage of the network and/or highbandwidth data. This makes for a backward compatible communicationmethod that allows equipped locomotives to take advantage of additionaldata, while still controlling older unequipped locomotives.

For wireless communications, a locomotive or other vehicle may beoutfitted with a radio communication unit 260 (see FIG. 25). In anembodiment, the radio communication unit 260 comprises an antenna unit262, a transceiver unit 264 connected to the antenna unit 262, and aninterface unit 266 for interfacing the transceiver unit 264 with otherelectronic equipment in the vehicle. The interface unit 266 receivesdata/information from elsewhere in the vehicle (e.g., high bandwidthdata and/or network data) and converts the data/information to a formausable by the transceiver unit 264. The transceiver unit 264 processesthe data/information it receives from the interface unit 266 fortransmission over the antenna unit 262. For example, the receiveddata/information may be converted, modulated, and amplified to an RFsignal or microwave signal. The antenna unit 262 is configured totransmit (as wireless RF radiation) electrical signals received from thetransceiver unit 264. The antenna unit, transceiver unit, and interfacemodule are also configured to receive data. For example, the antennaunit receives wireless RF signals, the transceiver unit demodulates andde-converts the received RF signals, and the interface unit communicatesthe received signals to other components in the vehicle.

In an embodiment, if all locomotives in a consist have been updated tooperate via wireless (e.g., as a wireless network), all the locomotivesin the consist may be operated solely over the wireless link/network,thus eliminating the need for use of the MU cable or other cable bus.

In any of the embodiments described herein, the existing electricalcable bus 26, 1618 may be an ECP (electronically controlled pneumaticbrake) train line. ECP brakes on a train are defined by the Associationof American Railroads' 4200 series specifications. This standarddescribes a 230V DC power line that runs the length of the train (forproviding DC power to remote units), a transceiver at 132 kHz thatoperates on top of the 230V power line, and a communication link(realized over the power line using the transceiver) that adheres to theANSI/EIA 709.1 and 709.2 protocols. According to the 4200 seriesspecifications, the communication link is used to communicate brake databetween railcars for braking control purposes.

In an embodiment, with reference to FIG. 27, a system 2700 forcommunicating data in a locomotive consist or other vehicle consist isconfigured to transmit network and/or high bandwidth data 2702 over anECP train line 2704, in a manner orthogonal to ECP brake data 2706transmitted over the ECP train line 2704. The system 2700 comprises arouter transceiver unit 2708 a, 2708 b on each of a plurality ofvehicles 2710 a, 2710 b in a consist 2712. On each vehicle, the routertransceiver unit 2708 a, 2708 b is in addition to an ECP transceiver2714 on the vehicle. (Alternatively, an ECP transceiver may bereconfigured to include the functionality of the router transceivers2708 a, 2708 b.) Each router transceiver unit 2708 a, 2708 b iselectrically connected to the ECP train line 2704, and is configured totransmit network and/or high bandwidth data 2702 over the ECP train line2704 at one or more frequencies f2 (i) that are different than the 132kHz frequency of the ECP brake data 2706, (ii) that do not interferewith (or receive significant interference from) the ECP brake data 2706,and (iii) that do not interfere with (or receive significantinterference from) the 230V DC signal 2716 present on the ECP train line2704. (That is, the data 2702 is orthogonal to the data 2706 and DCsignal 2716.) For example, the network and/or high bandwidth data may bemodulated into a carrier wave/RF signal transmitted over the ECP trainline at a frequency in the megahertz (MHz) range. The router transceiverunits 2708 a, 2708 b may be similar to the router transceiver units 34described above. The embodiment of FIG. 27 may be implemented inconjunction with any of the other embodiments described herein.

As should be appreciated, the system 2700 establishes a high bandwidthdata network that operates superimposed on, and separate from, the 132kHz communication link that is specified in the 4200 seriesspecifications for ECP brake traffic between the locomotive and the railcars. This data network may be used to communicate non-brake data (e.g.,in the form of network and/or high bandwidth data) between vehicles in aconsist. Examples of the data that may be transferred include vehiclesensor data indicative of vehicle health, commodity condition data,temperature data, weight data, security data, data as otherwisespecified herein, and/or other data.

FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram of an incremental notch secondarythrottle control system 2800 for a vehicle 2802, according to anembodiment of the inventive subject matter, which may be used inconjunction with a system or method for communicating data in alocomotive consist or other vehicle consist as described herein. Thesecondary throttle control system 2800 includes a primary throttlecontrol 2804 and an incremental notch secondary throttle control 2806.The primary throttle control 2804 includes a first manually adjustablecontrol member 2808 and a primary control output unit 2810, which isoperably connected to the control member 2808. The manually adjustablecontrol member 2808 is moveable (e.g., by a human operator) to andbetween discrete notch/throttle settings, from a zero or minimumthrottle setting to a maximum throttle setting. In the example shown inFIG. 28, the minimum is indicated by “0” and the maximum by “8”; thus,in this example, the control member 2808 can be moved to the discretethrottle settings 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. The primary controloutput unit 2810 senses (or is provided with information about) theposition of the control member 2808, and outputs a primary controloutput signal 2812 indicative of the position, at a particular one ofthe discrete throttle settings. The primary control output signal rangesin informational value/content in correspondence with the discretethrottle settings, e.g., the primary control output signal indicates thediscrete throttle setting currently selected according to the positionof the control member 2808. To the extent the control member 2808 may bepositioned between the discrete throttle settings, this “in between”positioning is not captured by the primary control output unit and isnot included in the primary control output signal. (For example,starting with the control member at a particular discrete throttlesetting, it could be the case that the primary control output signalindicates that throttle setting until the control member is moved to andarrives at the next discreet throttle setting.)

The primary control output signal 2812 is communicated to an engine orother motive control unit 2814 of the vehicle 2802 (e.g., a control unitthat controls one or more traction motors). The motive control unit 2814is operably connected to a traction unit 2816, which may be an engine,one or more traction motors, a hybrid system, etc. The motive controlunit 2814 generates a motive control signal 2818 as a function of theprimary control output signal 2812 received from the primary throttlecontrol 2804, for controlling an output level of the traction unit 2816.For example, when the primary control output signal 2812 is indicativeof the control member 2808 being positioned at the minimum throttlesetting, the motive control unit 2814 generates a motive control signal2818 for controlling the traction unit to a lower output level (such asa minimum or other designated or previously set lower limit) or otherfirst designated level. When the primary control output signal 2812indicates another, higher throttle level, the motive control unit 2814generates a motive control signal 2818 for controlling the traction unitto a higher level than the lower output level or other first designatedlevel. The relationship between the primary throttle control 2804 andthe motive control unit, across the entire accessible range of outputlevels of the traction unit 2816, is a step-wise function,differentiating the system from other systems where throttle level isselected continuously across a range, where the relationship betweenthrottle selection and traction unit output is a ramp or curve-basedfunction.

The primary throttle control 2804, and underlying functionality of themotive control unit 2814, may be an existing throttle control of thevehicle 2802. For example, such systems are found on some types oflocomotives or other rail vehicles.

The incremental notch secondary throttle control 2806 includes a secondmanually adjustable control member 2820 and a secondary control outputunit 2822, which is operably connected to the second control member2820. The second manually adjustable control member 2820 includes two(first and second) switches, buttons, or other selectable control inputs2824, 2826. The secondary control output unit 2822 senses when one ofthe control inputs 2824, 2826 is actuated, or is provided with anindication of when and which of the control inputs 2824, 2826 isactuated (e.g., pressing a control input may generate a designatedelectrical signal which is supplied to the secondary control output unit2822). In response, the secondary control output unit 2822 outputs asecondary control output signal 2828 as a function of which controlinput 2824, 2826 was actuated, which is communicated to the motivecontrol unit 2814.

How the motive control unit 2814 uses the secondary control outputsignal 2828 can vary depending on a desired operational configuration,but in an embodiment, the secondary control output signal 2828 is usedas a basis for a more granular or incremental step-wise throttleselection in between the discrete throttle settings of the primarythrottle control 2804. Thus, in the example shown in FIG. 28, the firstcontrol input 2824 is designated for adjusting a discrete throttlesetting up by a positive adjustment factor or one-tenth (0.1) of therange separating adjacent discrete throttle settings in the primarythrottle control 2804, and the second control input 2826 is designatedfor adjusting a discrete throttle setting down by a negative adjustmentfactor of one-tenth (0.1) of the range separating adjacent discretethrottle settings in the primary throttle control 2804. In operation,when one of the control inputs 2824, 2826 is actuated, informationindicative of the control input having been actuated is supplied to themotive control unit 2814, by way of the secondary control output unit2822 generating a secondary control output signal 2828 to that effect.In response, the motive control unit 2814 adjusts the motive controlsignal 2818 accordingly; that is, the motive control signal 2818 is afunction of both the primary control output signal 2812 and thesecondary control output signal 2828, with the gross output level of thetraction unit 2816 being based, in effect, on the primary control outputsignal 2812, but adjusted up or down based on the secondary controloutput signal 2828. For the adjustment, in a linear system, if theoutput level range of the traction unit is “X” (designated/minimumtraction output to maximum available traction output), and the number ofdiscrete throttle settings of the primary throttle control is “n”, andthe adjustment factor (assumed the same for both positive and negativein this example) is “y”, then the percentage of total available tractionoutput by which to adjust the output of the traction unit each time thesecond manually adjustable control member 2820 is actuated is =(X/n)·y.For example, if X is simply 100 (0 is minimum output and 100 maximum),and n=8 and y=0.1, as in the example of FIG. 28, then each time acontrol input 2824, 2826 is actuated, then traction unit output isreduced or increased, as applicable, by 1.25%.

For a locomotive vehicle with “n” discrete notch settings of the primarythrottle control 2804, the secondary throttle control 2806 allows anoperator to selectively adjust a currently selected notch level up ordown by an adjustment factor of “y” (for symmetric positive and negativeadjustments), or by adjustment factors of “y1” and “y2” in the casewhere the positive and negative adjustment factors, respectively, arenot the same. Thus, for example, for a 0.1 adjustment factor availablethrough the secondary throttle control 2806, each time a control inputof the secondary throttle control 2806 is selected, the current notchsetting is raised or lowered by 0.1; for a current notch setting of 7,for example, an operator actuating the first control input 2824(corresponding to a 0.1 positive adjustment factor) would increase thenotch level to 7.1, and actuating the second control input 2826(corresponding to a 0.1 negative adjustment factor) would decrease thenotch level to 6.9.

In an embodiment of the system 2800, actuation of the first manuallyadjustable control member 2808 to arrive at a next adjacent discretethrottle setting overrides the current output of the secondary throttlecontrol 2806, such that the motive control signal 2818 is based solelyon the primary control output signal 2812. For example, if the motivecontrol signal 2818 currently reflects a throttle setting of 5.7, withthe first manually adjustable control member 2808 being currentlypositioned at throttle setting 6 (meaning a downward/negative adjustmentfactor of 0.1 was applied three times), moving the first manuallyadjustable control member 2808 to throttle setting 7 would reset themotive control signal 2818 to reflect a 7 throttle setting, and movingthe first manually adjustable control member 2808 to throttle setting 5Would reset the motive control signal 2818 to reflect a 5 throttlesetting.

In an embodiment, the motive control signal 2818 cannot be set outside(above or below) its operational range, and actuating the secondarythrottle control 2806 for a positive or negative adjustment, when theprimary throttle control 2804 is at its maximum and designated/minimumlevels, respectively, has no effect. For example, if the primarythrottle control 2804 is set at a maximum notch or other throttlesetting of 8, and the first control input 2824 (corresponding to a 0.1positive adjustment factor) is actuated, this has no effect on themotive control signal 2818.

In an embodiment of the system 2800, information 2830 about the motivecontrol signal 2818 (in effect, information about the primary controloutput signal 2812 as adjusted by the secondary control output signal2828) is communicated over a communication channel from the vehicle 2802to another vehicle in a consist that is not equipped with a secondarythrottle control 2806. The other vehicle is controlled based on theinformation 2830, e.g., the information 2830 may be fed to a motivecontrol unit 2814 of the other vehicle for outputting a motive controlsignal 2818 to control traction unit 2816 based on the information 2830.

As should be appreciated, embodiments of the system 2800 implement asecondary throttle control technique that confers more granular controlof the throttle in a step-wise throttle system. Where “in between”traction output is desired, e.g., traction output that would be betweenexisting discrete throttle settings, it eliminates the need to oscillatebetween the notches. The system will work by allowing an operator of alocomotive or other vehicle to increase a notch or other throttlesetting by a measured increment.

In one aspect, the second manually adjustable control member 2820 of thesecondary throttle control 2806 is implemented as, or as part of, asmart display (e.g., control touchscreen). Thus, “manually adjustablecontrol member” means any functionality that allows an operator toselect a control input, thereby including not only a button, switch, orother moveable control, but also software-based control selections. Inanother aspect, the secondary throttle control 2806 is implemented as astand-alone box that allows an operator to increase a vehicle throttlesetting by a designated increment between primary discrete throttlesettings, with the stand-alone box being configured for use inretrofitting an existing vehicle throttle control system. Thus, in anembodiment, the system 2800 is implemented as a retrofit kit or assemblythat includes: (i) the secondary throttle control 2806 housed in a smallhousing that can be attached to a vehicle dashboard or other supportsurface in a control cabin; (ii) a software and/or hardware module(e.g., set of computer instructions contained on a tangible medium) forreplacing or augmenting the existing motive control unit 2814 of thevehicle to accept and function with secondary control output signals2828; and (iii) optionally, cables, wires, or other functional conduits(including wireless conduits) for connecting the secondary throttlecontrol 2806 to electrical power and to the motive control unit 2814, orat least the secondary throttle control 2806 is configured for acceptingcables, wires, or other conduits for this purpose.

Although an adjustment factor of 0.1 is shown as an example in thedrawings, other adjustment factors may be used instead. Additionally,the second manually adjustable control member 2820 may be configured toallow an operator to select different levels of positive and/or negativeadjustment factors, such as 0.1 and 0.5 positive adjustment factors and0.1 and 0.5 negative adjustment factors. Also, as noted, the positiveand negative adjustment factors do not have to be the same.

An embodiment of the inventive subject matter relates to a vehiclecontrol method. The vehicle control method comprises generating aprimary control output signal based on a current operator selection of afirst one of a plurality of designated discrete throttle settings of aprimary throttle control. (An output level of a traction unit of thevehicle is step-wise controlled based at least in part on the primarycontrol output signal.) The method further comprises generating asecondary control output signal based on operator actuation of asecondary throttle control. The secondary control output signal isindicative of (contains information indicating) a positive or negativeadjustment of the first one of the plurality of designated discretethrottle settings by a designated amount that is less than an amount ofthrottle variance between adjacent ones of the plurality of designateddiscrete throttle settings. The method further comprises generating amotive control signal based on the primary control output signal and thesecondary control output signal, and controlling the output level of thetraction unit based on the motive control signal.

With reference to FIGS. 28 and 29, an embodiment relates to a vehiclecontrol method comprising controlling a traction unit of a vehicle as afirst step-wise function 450 based on operator selection of any of aplurality of designated discrete throttle settings of a primary throttlecontrol. The method further comprises controlling the traction unit as asecond step-wise function 452 based on operator actuation of a secondarythrottle control. The second step-wise function is indicative of apositive or negative adjustment of the designated discrete throttlesettings by a designated amount 454 that is less than an amount 456 ofthrottle variance between adjacent ones of the plurality of designateddiscrete throttle settings.

An embodiment relates to a method for communicating data in a vehicleconsist. The method comprises determining that a first electroniccomponent in a first vehicle of a vehicle consist is in a failure state.(The vehicle consist comprises at least the first vehicle and a secondvehicle, with each vehicle in the consist being adjacent to andmechanically coupled with one or more other vehicles in the consist.) Inthe failure state, the first electronic component is unable to perform adesignated function of the first electronic component. Upon determiningthe failure state, first data is transmitted from the first vehicle to asecond electronic component on the second vehicle, the first data beingtransmitted over a communication channel linking the first vehicle andthe second vehicle. The method further comprises operating the secondelectronic component based on the first data, wherein the secondelectronic component performs the designated function that the firstelectronic component is unable to perform.

In one aspect of the method, the method comprises determining that afirst electronic component in a first vehicle of the vehicle consist isin a failure state. First data is transmitted from the first vehicle toa second electronic component on a second vehicle of the vehicleconsist; the first data is designated for the first electroniccomponent, and is transmitted over a communication channel linking thefirst vehicle and the second vehicle. The method further comprisesoperating the second electronic component based on the first data,wherein the second electronic component is similar to the firstelectronic component. In an embodiment, the method further comprisestransmitting return data from the second electronic component to thefirst vehicle over the communication channel, wherein the return datacorresponds to a data format of the first electronic component, andwherein the return data is used by one or more third electroniccomponents on the first vehicle.

An embodiment relates to a method for communicating data in a vehicleconsist. The method comprises, for each vehicle of a plurality ofvehicles in the vehicle consist: monitoring at least one electroniccomponent in the vehicle to determine if the at least one electroniccomponent has failed; and for each of the at least one electroniccomponent determined to have failed: transmitting first data from thevehicle or a second vehicle in the consist to a similar electroniccomponent in a third vehicle in the consist, the first data beingdesignated for the electronic component determined to have failed, andthe first data being transmitted over a communication channel linkingvehicles in the vehicle consist; and transmitting return data from thesimilar electronic component to one of the vehicles in the consist, thereturn data being generated by the similar electronic component based onthe first data. Each of the first data and the return data may be highbandwidth network data. Additionally, the method may further compriseidentifying a network address of the similar electronic component,wherein the first data is transmitted based on the network address.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises periodically regularlyautomatically transmitting high bandwidth information about respectiveoperations of each of at least one of the plurality of vehicles in thevehicle consist over the communication channel to a designated one ofthe plurality of vehicles.

An embodiment relates to a method for communicating data in a vehicleconsist. The method comprises transmitting first data from a firstvehicle in the consist to each of a second vehicle and a third vehiclein the consist, wherein the first data comprises non-network controlinformation. The method further comprises initiating transmission ofsecond data from the first vehicle to at least the third vehicle,wherein the second data comprises high bandwidth data and/or networkdata that at least partially overlaps the first data. If the second datais available to the third vehicle, the third vehicle is controlled basedon the second data; otherwise, the third vehicle is controlled based onthe first data. The method further comprises controlling the secondvehicle based on the first data, wherein the second vehicle is a legacyvehicle incompatible with the second data. According to another aspect,the first data and the second data may be transmitted over a cable businterconnecting the first, second, and third vehicles, with the firstdata being orthogonal to the second data.

In any of the embodiments set forth herein, data communicated to avehicle in a vehicle consist may be used to control the vehicle formoving along a route, or otherwise for controlling a mechanical,electrical, or electro-mechanical system that is operated in relation tothe vehicle moving along the route. That is, the data is received at thevehicle, and the vehicle is controlled, as relating to moving along theroute, based on the informational content of the data.

In an embodiment, a method (e.g., for controlling operations of avehicle consist) includes obtaining first data relating to operation ofa first vehicle in the vehicle consist that includes the first vehicleand at least a second vehicle mechanically interconnected with eachother in the vehicle consist. The first vehicle may or may not be thefirst vehicle in the consist along a direction of travel of the vehicleconsist. The first and second vehicles are communicatively coupled witheach other by a communication channel. The first vehicle includes atangible and non-transitory first electronic component configured toperform one or more functions for the first vehicle using the firstdata. The method also includes communicating the first data over thecommunication channel from the first vehicle to a tangible andnon-transitory second electronic component disposed onboard the secondvehicle. The first data is communicated responsive to the firstelectronic component being unable to perform the one or more functionsfor the first vehicle using the first data. The method further includesperforming the one or more functions of the first electronic componentfor the first vehicle with the second electronic component of the secondvehicle. The one or more functions are performed by the secondelectronic component using the first data that is received from thefirst vehicle.

In one aspect, the first data is communicated from the first vehicle tothe second electronic component of the second vehicle over a multipleunit (MU) cable bus that conductively couples the first electroniccomponent with the second electronic component.

In one aspect, the method also includes determining that the firstelectronic component is in a failure state when the first electroniccomponent is unable to perform the one or more functions. The first datais communicated to the second electronic component responsive to thefirst electronic component being determined to be in the failure state.

In one aspect, the first and second electronic components are a commontype of electronic component and configured to perform the same one ormore functions.

In one aspect, performing the one or more functions of the firstelectronic component with the second electronic component generatesreturn data from the second electronic component. The method may furtherinclude communicating the return data to one or more tangible andnon-transitory third electronic components disposed onboard the firstvehicle for performing one or more control functions for control of theoperation of the first vehicle.

In one aspect, the method also includes determining at least one of avehicle separation distance or a component separation distance. Thevehicle separation distance is representative of a distance between thefirst vehicle and the second vehicle. The component separation distanceis representative of another, different distance between the firstelectronic component and the second electronic component. The methodalso includes modifying the first data using the at least one of thevehicle separation distance or the component separation distance priorto the second electronic component performing the one or more functionsusing the first data that is modified.

In one aspect, the first data represents location data indicative of alocation of at least one of the vehicle consist or the first vehicle.Modifying the first data includes changing the location of the at leastone of the vehicle consist or the first vehicle that is represented bythe location data prior to the second electronic component performingthe one or more functions to generate the return data.

In one aspect, the first data is communicated through the communicationchannel as high bandwidth network data and the communication channel isa conductive cable bus interconnecting the first vehicle and the secondvehicle.

In one aspect, the first data is communicated over the communicationchannel that includes an existing electrical cable bus being used in thevehicle consist for transferring non-network control information betweenthe first vehicle and the second vehicle.

In an embodiment, a system (e.g., a control system) includes a routertransceiver unit (e.g., a second router transceiver unit) and anelectronic component (e.g., a second electronic component). The secondrouter transceiver unit is configured to be disposed onboard a secondvehicle of a vehicle consist that includes the second vehicle and atleast a first vehicle mechanically interconnected with each other in thevehicle consist. The first vehicle may or may not be the first vehiclein the consist along a direction of travel of the vehicle consist. Thesecond router transceiver unit also is configured to be communicativelycoupled with a first router transceiver unit disposed onboard the firstvehicle by a communication channel. The second electronic component isconfigured to be disposed onboard the second vehicle and to becommunicatively coupled with the second router transceiver unit. Thesecond router transceiver unit also is configured to receive first datafrom the first vehicle over the communication channel responsive to afirst electronic component of the first vehicle being unable to performone or more designated functions of the first electronic component usingthe first data. The second electronic component is configured to performthe one or more functions of the first electronic component using thefirst data that is received by the second router transceiver unit.

In one aspect, the second electronic component is configured to receivethe first data over a multiple unit (MU) cable bus that conductivelycouples the first electronic component with the second electroniccomponent.

In one aspect, the second electronic component is configured to receivethe first data for performing the one or more functions for the firstvehicle responsive to determining that the first electronic component isin a failure state when the first electronic component is unable toperform the one or more functions.

In one aspect, the first and second electronic components are a commontype of electronic component and configured to perform the same one ormore functions.

In one aspect, the second electronic component is configured to generatereturn data from the performing the one or more functions using thefirst data. The second router transceiver unit is configured tocommunicate the return data to one or more tangible and non-transitorythird electronic components disposed onboard the first vehicle forperforming one or more control functions for control of the operation ofthe first vehicle.

In one aspect, the second electronic component is configured to obtainat least one of a vehicle separation distance or a component separationdistance. The vehicle separation distance is representative of adistance between the first vehicle and the second vehicle. The componentseparation distance is representative of another, different distancebetween the first electronic component and the second electroniccomponent. The second electronic component also is configured to modifythe first data using the at least one of the vehicle separation distanceor the component separation distance prior to the second electroniccomponent performing the one or more functions using the first data thatis modified.

In one aspect, the first data represents location data indicative of alocation of at least one of the vehicle consist or the first vehicle.The second electronic component is configured to modify the first databy changing the location of the at least one of the vehicle consist orthe first vehicle that is represented by the location data prior to thesecond electronic component performing the one or more functions togenerate the return data.

In one aspect, the router transceiver unit is configured to receive thefirst data as high bandwidth network data communicated over a conductivecable bus interconnecting the first vehicle and the second vehicle.

In one aspect, the router transceiver unit is configured to receive thefirst data over the communication channel that includes an existingelectrical cable bus being used in the vehicle consist for transferringnon-network control information between the first vehicle and the secondvehicle.

In an embodiment, a method (e.g, for controlling a vehicle consist)includes obtaining operational data related to operation of a vehicleconsist that includes at least a first vehicle and a second vehiclemechanically interconnected with each other and processing theoperational data using one or more first processors disposed onboard thefirst vehicle to generate first return data. The first vehicle may ormay not be the first vehicle in the consist along a direction of travelof the vehicle consist. The first return data is usable to controlupcoming operation of the vehicle consist. The method also includes,responsive to the one or more first processors entering a failure statewhere the one or more first processors can no longer process theoperational data to generate the return data, communicating theoperational data to one or more second processors disposed onboard thesecond vehicle. The method further includes processing the operationaldata using the one or more second processors disposed onboard the secondvehicle to generate second return data. The second return data is usableto control upcoming operation of the vehicle consist.

In one aspect, the operational data is communicated to the one or moresecond processors through a multiple unit (MU) cable bus of the vehicleconsist.

In the context of “communication link” or “linked by a communicationchannel,” “link”/“linked” refers to both physical interconnections forcommunication (such as over a cable, wire, or other conductor) and towireless communications, using radio frequency or other wirelesstechnologies.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-describedembodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination witheach other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt aparticular situation or material to the teachings of the inventivesubject matter without departing from its scope. While the dimensionsand types of materials described herein are intended to define theparameters of the inventive subject matter, they are by no meanslimiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the abovedescription. The scope of the inventive subject matter should,therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, alongwith the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Inthe appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used asthe plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and“wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,”“second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are notintended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, thelimitations of the following claims are not written inmeans-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted basedon 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless and until such claimlimitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statementof function void of further structure.

This written description uses examples to disclose several embodimentsof the inventive subject matter and to enable a person of ordinary skillin the art to practice the embodiments of inventive subject matter,including making and using any devices or systems and performing anyincorporated methods. The patentable scope of the inventive subjectmatter is defined by the claims, and may include other examples thatoccur to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples areintended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structuralelements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, orif they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantialdifferences from the literal languages of the claims.

The foregoing description of certain embodiments of the inventivesubject matter will be better understood when read in conjunction withthe appended drawings. To the extent that the figures illustratediagrams of the functional blocks of various embodiments, the functionalblocks are not necessarily indicative of the division between hardwarecircuitry. Thus, for example, one or more of the functional blocks (forexample, processors or memories) may be implemented in a single piece ofhardware (for example, a general purpose signal processor,microcontroller, random access memory, hard disk, and the like).Similarly, the programs may be stand alone programs, may be incorporatedas subroutines in an operating system, may be functions in an installedsoftware package, and the like. The various embodiments are not limitedto the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the drawings.

As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceededwith the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding pluralof said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated.Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” of theinventive subject matter are not intended to be interpreted as excludingthe existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate therecited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary,embodiments “comprising,” “including,” or “having” an element or aplurality of elements having a particular property may includeadditional such elements not having that property.

Since certain changes may be made in the above-described systems andmethods for communicating data in a vehicle consist, without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the inventive subject matter hereininvolved, it is intended that all of the subject matter of the abovedescription or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpretedmerely as examples illustrating the inventive concept herein and shallnot be construed as limiting the inventive subject matter.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a second routertransceiver unit configured to be disposed onboard a second vehicle thatis linked to at least a first vehicle, the second router transceiverunit configured to be communicatively coupled with a first routertransceiver unit disposed onboard the first vehicle by a communicationchannel; and a second electronic component configured to be disposedonboard the second vehicle and to be communicatively coupled with thesecond router transceiver unit, wherein the second router transceiverunit also is configured to receive first data from the first vehicleover the communication channel responsive to a first electroniccomponent of the first vehicle being unable to perform one or morefunctions of the first electronic component using the first data, andwherein the second electronic component is configured to perform the oneor more functions of the first electronic component using the first datathat is received by the second router transceiver unit.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the second vehicle is electrically linked to the atleast the first vehicle.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the secondelectronic component is configured to receive the first data over amultiple unit (MU) cable bus that conductively couples the firstelectronic component with the second electronic component.
 4. The systemof claim 1, wherein the second electronic component is configured toreceive the first data for performing the one or more functions for thefirst vehicle responsive to determining that the first electroniccomponent is in a failure state when the first electronic component isunable to perform the one or more functions.
 5. The system of claim 1,wherein the first and second electronic components are a common type ofelectronic component and configured to perform the same one or morefunctions.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the second electroniccomponent is configured to generate return data from the performing theone or more functions using the first data, and the second routertransceiver unit is configured to communicate the return data to one ormore tangible and non-transitory third electronic components disposedonboard the first vehicle for performing one or more control functionsfor control of the operation of the first vehicle.
 7. The system ofclaim 6, wherein the second electronic component is configured to obtainat least one of a vehicle separation distance or a component separationdistance, the vehicle separation distance representative of a distancebetween the first vehicle and the second vehicle, the componentseparation distance representative of another, different distancebetween the first electronic component and the second electroniccomponent, the second electronic component also configured to modify thefirst data using the at least one of the vehicle separation distance orthe component separation distance prior to the second electroniccomponent performing the one or more functions using the first data thatis modified.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the first data representslocation data indicative of a location of the first vehicle, and whereinthe second electronic component is configured to modify the first databy changing the location of the first vehicle that is represented by thelocation data prior to the second electronic component performing theone or more functions to generate the return data.
 9. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the second router transceiver unit is configured toreceive the first data as high bandwidth network data communicated overa conductive multiple unit (MU) cable bus interconnecting the firstvehicle and the second vehicle.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein therouter transceiver unit is configured to receive the first data over thecommunication channel that includes an existing electrical cable busbeing used to transfer non-network control information between the firstvehicle and the second vehicle.
 11. A system comprising: a second routertransceiver unit configured to be disposed onboard a second vehicle thatis linked to at least a first vehicle, the second router transceiverunit configured to receive first data from the first vehicle responsiveto a first electronic component of the first vehicle being unable toperform one or more functions of the first electronic component usingthe first data, wherein a second electronic component configured to bedisposed onboard the second vehicle is configured to perform the one ormore functions of the first electronic component using the first datathat is received by the second router transceiver unit.
 12. The systemof claim 11, wherein the second electronic component is configured toreceive the first data over a multiple unit (MU) cable bus thatconductively couples the first electronic component with the secondelectronic component.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the secondelectronic component is configured to receive the first data forperforming the one or more functions for the first vehicle responsive todetermining that the first electronic component is in a failure statewhen the first electronic component is unable to perform the one or morefunctions.
 14. The system of claim 11, wherein the first and secondelectronic components are a common type of electronic component andconfigured to perform the same one or more functions.
 15. The system ofclaim 11, wherein the second electronic component is configured togenerate return data from the performing the one or more functions usingthe first data, and the second router transceiver unit is configured tocommunicate the return data to one or more tangible and non-transitorythird electronic components disposed onboard the first vehicle forperforming one or more control functions for control of the operation ofthe first vehicle.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the secondelectronic component is configured to obtain at least one of a vehicleseparation distance or a component separation distance, the vehicleseparation distance representative of a distance between the firstvehicle and the second vehicle, the component separation distancerepresentative of another, different distance between the firstelectronic component and the second electronic component, the secondelectronic component also configured to modify the first data using theat least one of the vehicle separation distance or the componentseparation distance prior to the second electronic component performingthe one or more functions using the first data that is modified.
 17. Thesystem of claim 16, wherein the first data represents location dataindicative of a location of the first vehicle, and wherein the secondelectronic component is configured to modify the first data by changingthe location of the first vehicle that is represented by the locationdata prior to the second electronic component performing the one or morefunctions to generate the return data.
 18. The system of claim 11,wherein the second router transceiver unit is configured to receive thefirst data as high bandwidth network data communicated over a conductivemultiple unit (MU) cable bus interconnecting the first vehicle and thesecond vehicle.
 19. The system of claim 11, wherein the routertransceiver unit is configured to receive the first data over thecommunication channel that includes an existing electrical cable bus totransfer non-network control information between the first vehicle andthe second vehicle.
 20. A system comprising: a first router and a firstelectronic component both disposed onboard a first vehicle, wherein thefirst router is configured to receive first data from a secondelectronic component and to route the first data to the first electroniccomponent, wherein the first electronic component is configured toperform one or more processing functions using the first data; and asecond router and a third electronic component disposed onboard a secondvehicle that is linked to at least the first vehicle, the second routerconfigured to be communicatively coupled with the first router disposedonboard the first vehicle by a communication channel; wherein the firstrouter is configured, responsive to the first electronic component beingunable to perform the one or more processing functions using the firstdata, to route the first data to the second router onboard the secondvehicle, and responsive to receiving the first data, the second routeris configured to route the first data to the third electronic component,the third electronic component being similar to the first electroniccomponent, for the third electronic component to perform the one or moreprocessing functions, using the first data, which the first electroniccomponent is unable to perform; and wherein the third electroniccomponent is configured to generate return data as a result ofperforming the one or more processing functions using the first data,and to communicate the return data to the second router, and the secondrouter is configured to communicate the return data over thecommunication channel to the first router onboard the first vehicle forcommunication to a designated recipient.